Galway Atlantaquaria will play host to Saoirse, a rescued seal from Inishbofin, this Saturday, 26 January, at 1.30pm.

Saoirse was rescued in November on Inishbofin island at the tender age of six weeks and weighed only seven kilograms, less than half normal weight. She has been cared for since by the Irish Seal Sanctuary and now weighs a healthy 27kg. Saoirse had multiple bite wounds on her body as well as a large abscess on her side, and was not expected to survive.

The Irish Seal Sanctuary was founded 22 years ago and is based in Garristown, Co. Dublin in a private back garden. The sanctuary is Ireland's only 24 hour, totally voluntary facility and it provides shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for rescued marine wildlife found in difficulty around Ireland's coast.

To date this year, the sanctuary has taken in 68 seals compared to last season which saw a total of 81.

Saoirse will be released from Salthill Beach, opposite the Galway Bay Hotel on Saturday next at 1.30pm.

Children accompanied by a paying adult will also receive free admission into the Atlantaquarium following the release.

Following the release there will be a talk given by Pauline Beades of the Irish Seal Sanctuary on the impact of oil spills on wildlife and how the public can help in such an event.

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