When I was in Hel there were only 5 of seals, belonged to the species grey seal. The species is most popular in the Baltic Sea, although it is also threaten by extinction.
The "
seal-rium" in Hel town actually is a part of Sea Station of Oceanography Institute of Gdansk University. They main goal in scietific - to made research on seals, porpoises, Baltic ecology or so. But in the public opinion they are an institution which is trying to save and rebuild seal population in Baltic Sea. It is also contribution of "propaganda" Station employees, who often says in media about seals.
Finally these animals become symbol of Hel, although it is almost impossible to see them in their natural environment around Peninsula. Full stalls of merchants will try to sell you a seal mascot... If you will buy one I suggest you to do it in Station's shop, because the profits from there are dedicated for seals and the place for them. But still do not believe if they will persuade they save seals by growing them and then releasing.
Since the place exist (first seal - 1992; present pools - 1997) they realised just a few animals, and perhaps one of every two was quickly killed in fishing nets. Do not misunderstand: the Station make a great job (scientific, educational), but opinion that they will reserve seals in Baltic Sea is only "optimistic propaganda" and the magnet for media and tourists.
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on Jul 23, 2004
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