Porto D'Abrigo
Rehabilitation Center for Marine Species
Considering its moral duty, and in the absence of a physical structure in our country, with specialized staff and dedicated to the rehabilitation of marine fauna, Zoomarine opened, in 2002, Porto d’Abrigo of Zoomarine (Zoomarine’s Safe Haven) – the first Rehabilitation Centre for Marine Species, in Portugal.
So, ever since and in close collaboration with the Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, a zoological multidisciplinary team is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release into the wild of marine and aquatic animals.
The Activity
Rescue
When logistical and human resources availability allows it, Porto d’Abrigo do Zoomarine (Pd’AZ) provides direct support to assistance requests to live stranded marine animals. Initially, and through telephone, first aid recommendations are given to those who give the alert. Then, and if considered appropriate, a team is sent to the site, to assess the situation and provide the necessary care.
Rehabilitation
If considered necessary, the stranded specimen is transported to the Pd’AZ for a comprehensive behavioural and clinical evaluation, with the objective of rehabilitation and future release into the wild.
During this rehabilitation, specimens are subject to continuous monitoring by Pd’AZ and Veterinarian Services professionals, in respect of their blood values, weight variation, diet, and behaviour.
Release into the wild
After confirmation that clinical, nutritional and/or behavioural rehabilitation has been completed, and that the specimen meets the required conditions for survival in the wild, Pd’AZ initiates the release process. Whenever possible and appropriate, the release occurs the closest to the area where the specimen was rescued, and within its species distribution area.
Dead strandings support
When logistical and human resources allow it, Zoomarine professionals give support to situations of dead marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, by collecting information which may contribute to the knowledge on the species.
The Team
Porto d’Abrigo do Zoomarine (Pd’AZ) is composed of a multidisciplinary team, which covers different areas of intervention in the rehabilitation of specimens.
With a permanent team of two biologists and a veterinary nurse, Pd’AZ counts on the collaboration of veterinary medicine, water quality control, equipment maintenance and computer teams, among many others that contribute to the success of rehabilitation these specimens.
What to do
In any situation involving the stranding of a wild specimen, authorities and/or wildlife support teams should be contacted immediately.
Contacts 24h/day, 365 days/year (Portugal only):
- SEPNA (Protection of Nature and Environment Service of the Portuguese National Guard):
(+351) 808 200 520 | (+351) 217 503 080 - Abrigos (Marine Mammals Support Network):
(+351) 968 849 101
Remember, you should never put yourself or others at risk. Although weak, these are wild specimens that, when scared, can react aggressively to defend themselves.
For further information, see the above informative flyer with recommendations.
A Happy Ending
Release into the wild
After confirmation that clinical, nutritional and/or behavioural rehabilitation has been completed, and that the specimen meets the required conditions for survival in the wild, Pd’AZ initiates the release process. Whenever possible and appropriate, the release occurs the closest to the area where the specimen was rescued, and within its species distribution area.
Here are some examples of the hundreds of success stories that have passed through Porto d’Abrigo:
Irrecoverable Specimens
Sometimes, specimens from other rehabilitation centres are not considered as suitable candidates to be released into the wild. The causes can range from physical impossibility to survive in the wild, to excessive proximity to humans.
Zoomarine collaborates occasionally with the Portuguese authorities (e.g. Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests), to provide suitable habitat and continuous care for these specimens. These animals integrate environmental education programs, aimed at raising awareness regarding the threats that victimize the species they belong to.