SMRU > About SMRU > Stranded Animals
Stranded Animals
Occasionally marine mammals come ashore because they are sick or injured. They may also wash up dead on the beach. There are a number of organisations in the UK that deal with these two types of stranded animals. Please call them directly as they will be able to respond. We do not deal with sick or injured animals.
For DEAD cetaceans or seals (and turtles)
In the UK the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme was set up to deal
with any reports of dead whales, dolphins or porpoises that wash
ashore. There are different telephone numbers for England, Wales and Scotland listed below.
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England (cetaceans):
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Natural History Museum
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0207 9425155
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England (seals & turtles):
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Zoological Society of London
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0207 4496672
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Wales (all species):
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Marine Environmental Monitoring
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01348 875000
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Scotland (all species):
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SAC Veterinary Services
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01463 243030
or
07979 245893 (out of hours)
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More information on reporting stranded marine animals in Scotland and the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme can be found here
For LIVE cetaceans or seals
These organisations will respond to sick and injured animals and have facilities to rescue and rehabilitate seals. Do not approach the animal too closely as this will cause further distress and keep dogs away.