BDMLR Pinnifred Seal Training Model

Aim

BDMLR are raising funds to purchase an amazing new seal pup teaching model called the 'Pinnifred'!

Who are we and what do we do?

British Divers Marine Life Rescue is a registered charity who, through a network of trained volunteer 'marine mammal medics', attends and assists marine animals in distress all around the British coastline. We are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! 90% of our call-outs are to 'grey' and 'common' seal pups, who sometimes need help in the first few months of their lives when they are very vulnerable.

What is 'Pinnifred'?

'PinniFred' is an accurate replica of a young grey seal pup which can be used to teach our marine mammal medics and vets some essential skills related to seal pup handling and treatment.

Some of his features:

• Weighs a realistic 30kg, has a 3cm thick layer of artificial blubber and a coat of white fake fur
• Contains a 3D printed skeleton, much of which is an exact replica of the real thing, which allows for a more natural range of movements when practicing handling
• Soft tissue structures of the mouth/gullet and airway realistically reproduced, along with a simulated rib cage and set of lungs
• The thoracic and lumbar vertebra are anatomically precise and contain an artificial extradural vein (which can be filled from a fluid reservoir)

Which skills can be taught with ‘Pinnifred’?

• Basic handling techniques - it is so important that our volunteers learn how to safely handle the pups, as they can deliver a very nasty bite!
• Placing a feeding tube - this is a life-saving skill used to give pups rehydrating fluids straight into their stomach

And in addition, veterinary surgeons can be taught how to:

• Place an endotracheal (breathing) tube for seals going under an anaesthetic
• Give injections into the extradural vein (a vein in the pups back) and take blood samples

Why is 'Pinnifred' so important to our work?

They may look cute and fluffy but handling seal pups is a very risky business! From a young age they have a mouth full of strong, sharp teeth which can give anyone close a serious bite. For this reason, it is really important that volunteers get to practice the required techniques as much as possible in a safe environment first, before attempting the real thing! 

Most vets in this country have limited, if any experience at all, with seals. As you can imagine, there are quite a few differences between seals and the animals they mostly see in practice. 'Pinnifred' allows vets to practice some basic clinical skills they might need when caring for a seal pup, but again in a controlled environment.

'Pinnifred' offers the most realistic experience of seal pup handling and treatment that we have seen so far. We are very excited at the possibility of acquiring a 'Pinnifred' of our own, and putting him to good use, teaching marine mammal medics and vets across the country!

What will the funds raised from this project be used for?

For British Divers Marine Life Rescue to purchase one 'Pinnifred' model for the purpose of teaching handling and treatment skills to future generations of our volunteers.

Who created 'Pinnifred'?

The 'Pinnifred' model was created by the 'Sea Mammal Research Unit' at the University of St Andrews.

This project successfully funded on 30th April 2020