A WILDLIFE hospital is calling on support from animal lovers to help build a dedicated treatment centre for seals - just weeks after a baby seal died in Shoebury.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital has applied for funding for the project multiple times, but with no success bosses have turned to their loyal follows for help.

If £50,000 can be raised, the hospital will create a purpose built seal treatment and wildlife isolation unit at its site in Grays.

The campaign comes after a number of incidents this summer - including a six-week old seal pup who died in August after being rescued from underneath Barge Pier.

The seal was transported to the hospital after being found with a dislocated shoulder, a sprained left flipper and was malnourished.

But seals are not able to recover from dislocated or broken shoulders, and so the pup was put to sleep.

A number of poorly seals have also been brought to the hospital from all over the country, with the next nearest centre being based four hours away - but is often already at full capacity.

Bosses hope the new facility, which will include indoor and outdoor pools, will not only benefit seals but other waterfowl or sea birds.

A hospital spokesman, said: “We are reaching out to our supporters as we really need your help. No doubt you would have seen the influx of sick seals that we have had recently as they are brought here from all over the county prior to being transferred to more suitable facilities.

“This unique facility will help us to increase the chances of survival for these incredible creatures.

“We have been so lucky to have received a very generous donation of £15,000 towards the start of this project from one of our awesome supporters and with your help we hope we can reach our funding target of £50,000.

“This year has been exceptionally challenging for all of us due to the pandemic and we know that not everyone is in a position to help but every penny counts.

“With a donation of £1 from each person that follows our page, we would be almost halfway to target. We are extremely grateful for all of your support.”

More than £4,000 has been raised. Find South Essex Wildlife Hospital on Facebook.