Exploris Aquarium has been operating its seal sanctuary since 1989. In the beginning it had limited facilities, however, in 1999 a purpose-built facility was built. This was funded by Ards Borough Council now Ards & North Down Borough Council,  Northern Ireland Electricity and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

The main philosophy of the sanctuary is to rehabilitate sick, injured or abandoned seal pups.  As the seal pupping is seasonal, it means at certain periods we have no seals in our hospital.

What to do if you discover a seal pup:

• Observe from a distance
• Do not attempt to touch
• Do not attempt to feed
• Do not move it into the water
• Contact Exploris’s Seal Sanctuary Line on:
  • 028 4272 8062 and select option 2
    

The Seal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)