The Regional Secretary for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change today issued a plea asking everyone to protect the respect the Monk Seal that is resting on the beach in Paul do Mar. The seal, is believed to be 19-year-old Manchada, who is being carefully watched over by the nature wardens and a veterinarian.
The animal whose health is said to be consistent with her age, has been given antibiotics and vitamins.
Furthermore, the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), have said that although they recognise the affection that people have for Monk Seals, who are symbolic of the region, they have asked for people to keep their distance to give Manchada a chance to rest and recuperate. At 19 Manchada is entering old age, as most adult seals only live until their early twenties.
The video below shows the painstaking process of approaching Manchada. With one death already, and only a colony of 30, her well-being is of the upmost importance.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
