Visit the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary in Oban
Located on the shores of Loch Creran, near Oban in Argyll, the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary offers visitors an outing which is sure to be both educational and entertaining. Along with more than fifty marine displays, a nature trail and an adventure play area, the centre has a daily program featuring feeding demonstrations and informative talks on the fascinating marine creatures in its care. Moreover, the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary incorporates a state-of-the-art seal rescue and rehabilitation facility – an essential service in light of the fact that man continues to encroach on the habitats of these vulnerable animals.
The goal of the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary is to rescue and provide professional medical treatment for marine animals found in the area. Where possible, rehabilitated animals will be released back into their natural environment, but if returning to the wild is not feasible, the sanctuary provides a home for the rescued marine animal. The sanctuary also undertakes to create greater public awareness of the need to protect the marine environment these animals depend on.
When planning a visit to the sanctuary, it is important to remember that there is a timetable of activities. Be sure to get to the centre by 11:00am if you would like to start off with the Otter Meet and Greet, where the friendly North American otters, Isla and Lewis will enjoy their favourite foods while the animal care team offers interesting information on these cute marine mammals and answer questions from spectators. The Seal Meet and Greet follows at 12:00 pm, where visitors can hear about how the seals were rescued and became permanent residents at the sanctuary while watching them show off their agile swimming skills.
The Interactive Touchpool Experience takes place at 1:30 pm, with visitors having the opportunity to touch or hold some of the underwater creatures, including crabs and starfish. The British Shark Feed is set for 2:00 pm, and while visitors watch the shark enjoying its lunch, experts on hand will dispel some of the myths attached to these often misunderstood creatures. The Otter Meet and Greet and Seal Meet and Greet are repeated at 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm respectively. Other afternoon activities include Face Painting and Badge Making, and the Shoreline Coffee Shop offers light meals and refreshments in the adventure playground area. Don’t forget to visit the Marine Hospital to see some of the rescue and rehabilitation work being carried out by the dedicated staff of the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary.
