Grey seals require specialist rehabilitation facilities for successful treatment of injuries, malnutrition, and entanglement, with careful management needed to prevent human imprinting and ensure release success.
Grey seal rehabilitation welfare depends on specialist facilities that can meet the needs of a large marine mammal while minimizing human contact that risks imprinting. Seals that become imprinted on humans associate humans with food and approach boats, creating danger to themselves and fishers. Facilities without adequate pool space cannot assess swimming fitness before release. Entanglement injuries require surgical expertise and sterile facilities. Successful rehabilitation and release programs represent a meaningful welfare outcome and maintain the wildness essential to long-term welfare.