Seal Sanctuary in Hel
Pomorskie
The Seal Sanctuary in Hel, part of the Marine Station of the Institute of Oceanography at the University of Gdańsk, is a key facility focused on the rehabilitation and conservation of the grey seal population in the southern Baltic Sea. Established in 1999, the sanctuary includes a complex of three main breeding pools, several smaller pools for young and injured seals, and a modern educational and laboratory building. It combines scientific research with public education, aiming to restore local seal populations and deepen understanding of marine mammals. The sanctuary is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing around 300,000 visitors annually at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. It operates through voluntary donations, EU grants, university funding, and ticket sales. The sanctuary has implemented measures to protect seals from harmful human behavior, such as installing informative signs and donation boxes after incidents involving seals ingesting foreign objects. The Seal Sanctuary contributes to local ecological awareness and supports sustainable tourism in Hel, a historic seaside town on the Hel Peninsula known for its fishing heritage and naval significance.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the sanctuary's official website for current opening hours and any visitor limits, especially during peak summer months. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when feeding sessions and educational talks are held regularly. Donations to support seal conservation efforts are welcomed. Respect the sanctuary's rules, especially regarding not throwing objects into pools to protect the seals' health.
Interesting facts
- •The sanctuary rehabilitates grey seals native to the southern Baltic Sea and tracks their migration through a dedicated online platform.
- •A famous seal named Krystyna lived in the sanctuary for about three years and was known for wandering the town streets; her death highlighted the dangers of tourists throwing coins into pools.
- •The sanctuary is part of a larger project called the 'Blue Village' which includes ecological restoration and cultural education in Hel.
- •The facility includes pools for young and sick seals requiring rehabilitation, ensuring specialized care.
- •It receives funding from multiple sources including EU grants, university support, and visitor donations.
History
The Seal Sanctuary in Hel was established in 1999 as part of the University of Gdańsk's Marine Station, continuing earlier efforts in seal rehabilitation.
It was inspired by successful treatment of individual seals, such as Balbin.
Over time, the sanctuary expanded its facilities to include multiple pools and educational spaces.
It plays a crucial role in efforts to restore the grey seal population in the Baltic Sea, which had been endangered.
The sanctuary also aligns with the broader 'Blue Village' project aimed at ecological protection and cultural education in Hel.
The facility has evolved to balance scientific research with public engagement, becoming a major tourist attraction in the region.
Place Guide
Main Seal Pools1999
Three large breeding pools where grey seals live and are rehabilitated. Visitors can observe feeding sessions and learn about seal behavior and biology.
Educational and Laboratory Building1999
A modern facility housing laboratories and seminar rooms used for marine mammal research and educational workshops.
Small Rehabilitation Pools1999
Smaller pools dedicated to young, sick, or injured seals that require special care and rehabilitation before release.
Contact
Phone: 58 675 08 36
