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Three goats have escaped from the aMaizin! Maze and a marine life rescue co-ordinator has warned that islanders can expect to see drowned seal pups washing up on our beaches, as Jersey's wildlife falls victim to Storm Ciarán's 100mph winds.
Kristina Le Feuvre, owner of aMaizin! Adventure Park in Jersey, has appealed to residents of western parishes to help find three missing Golden Guernsey Goats that escaped last night due to damaged paddocks and fences.
“Our three Golden Guernsey Goats have escaped and are likely to be very scared and seeking shelter!” she posted on social media.
“We have combed the entire farm with no success in finding them.”
The aMaizin Maze owner confirmed that all other animals are safe and accounted for, and asked islanders to message the 'aMaizin Adventure Park' Facebook page if they spot the escaped goats.
St Peter's Honorary Police responded to the social media appeal, confirming that "officers are currently dealing with multiple incidents across the parish and are also on the lookout for your goats".
The Honorary Police said that they had not received any other reports of escaped farm animals, but Bramble Farm in St Mary confirmed that most of its animal shelters have been lost – although the animals remain safe.
Meanwhile, in the water, a local marine wildlife charity has warned that young seal pups are "going to struggle" due to the impact of Storm Ciarán.
The Jersey co-ordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue said that there is “no doubt” that seal pups which aren't old enough to survive independently “will wash up on our beaches".
Donna de Gruchy explained that storms of this intensity create hazardous conditions, separating seal pups from their mothers and washing them ashore.
“The chances of seal pups surviving after washing up are really slim, and they are likely to be found drowned," said Donna.
She explained that if islanders come across a struggling seal pup or distressed marine mammal they should “stay back, never attempt to put them back in the water, keep dogs on leads and well away".
They should also contact the JSPCA on 724331 – or via their out-of-hours number on 07797 720331 – to alert the BDMLR team.
Donna recommended using the 'What 3 Words' app to provide the exact location of the pup.
“Please keep a pup's location off of social media whilst we are in the process of a rescue,” she added.
The JSPCA also reported this morning that the storm had “caused quite a bit of carnage”.
The Animal Shelter offered guidance on keeping pets safe, such as keeping them indoors and using music and toys to create a calming environment.
As for wildlife, the JSPCA said that wild animals generally have "good instincts when bad weather is coming in so should naturally keep themselves safe".
“Make sure you don't put yourself in danger, and follow Government advice to stay safe,” the animal charity added.
JSPCA Animals' Shelter (Daytime): 01534 724331
JSPCA Animals' Shelter (Out of hours): 07797 720331
UK hotline with a Channel Islands database: 01825 765546
In Guernsey, contact the GSPCA, Guernsey SPCA: 01481 257261
In Alderney, the Alderney Animal Welfare Society has trained BDMLR medics: 01481 822616
If a deceased marine mammal is found, report it to the Environment Department at 01534 441600
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