The city of Flensburg saw an unexpected visitor on Sunday evening when a young harbour seal entered the downtown area and became trapped next to a historic water wheel at the central bus station.
Rescue operation
Seehundjäger Patrick Gandyra from the Marine Mammal Protection Schleswig‑Holstein and local firefighters were called to the scene. When they arrived, the seal was perched on a small ledge beside the Mühlenstrom water wheel and could not free itself.
Gandyra believes the animal had swum through a 300‑metre underground water pipe that leads to the Flensburg Förde before emerging in the city centre.
Health assessment
Gandyra and a firefighter lowered a net and lifted the weakened seal. “The animal has an extremely shallow breathing. We will take it with us for now,” he told NDR Schleswig‑Holstein.
The seal was taken to Gelting in the Kreis Schleswig‑Flensburg, where its health will be examined more thoroughly.
Transfer to Friedrichskoog
Initially it was unclear whether the seal could be released back into the Baltic Sea. On Monday, the coordination centre confirmed that the animal will need rehabilitation and it was moved to the seal station in Friedrichskoog, Kreis Dithmarschen.
Age and condition
Gandyra estimates the seal is at most six months old, weighs between 20 and 25 kilograms and appears well‑nourished. He suspects it is a “Heuler” (a young harbour seal).
Reporting future strandings
Anyone who finds a stranded, injured or sick seal or other marine mammal can report the sighting through the Robben App. According to the National Park Administration in Tönning, the app covers all Schleswig‑Holstein coastal regions and helps authorities respond quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the seal end up in Flensburg’s city centre?
According to the seal hunter, the animal likely swam through a 300‑metre underground water pipe that leads to the Flensburg Förde, emerging near the bus station’s water wheel.
What actions were taken to rescue the seal?
Firefighters and the seal hunter used a net to lift the animal from a small ledge beside the water wheel, then transported it first to Gelting for a health check and later to the Friedrichskoog seal station for rehabilitation.
Where is the seal now?
The seal is currently housed at the seal station in Friedrichskoog, Kreis Dithmarschen, where it will recover from its injuries before any decision about release.
What steps could local communities take to better protect stray marine mammals?
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