“Many animals arrived in a short time, coinciding with the storm period. It is not expected that we will receive 50 animals in two weeks, when in previous weeks a maximum of four arrived per week,” Francisca Hilário, a veterinarian at CRAM-Ecomare, told Lusa.

Increase in animals in rehabilitation centres

Since the end of January, when Portugal began to feel the effects of extreme weather, the number of animals arriving at the rehabilitation centre has increased.

Seabirds represent the most affected group, especially puffins, which frequently arrive in critical condition or already dead, as described by Francisca Hilário.

The survival rate for puffins is around 25%, as most animals arrive at the rehabilitation centre "in very critical condition" and end up dying within the first 24 hours.

According to the veterinarian, puffins are an extremely sensitive species that is difficult to rehabilitate, and the causes of death are often difficult to determine.

Consequences of bad weather

"Given that we had bad weather for quite some time, [this] may be enough for them to be unable to feed and become weak," added Francisca Hilário.

However, she explained that "the phenomenon of them being washed ashore in unusual numbers during storms is not new."

"For example, 2023 was also a year in which, in January, many puffins arrived, caught by bad weather as they passed along the Portuguese coast," she recalled.

The specimens undergoing rehabilitation are showing "positive progress," with several animals feeding independently and having contact with water.

Working Method

The veterinary team performs an initial assessment and stabilisation of the animals before proceeding to diagnostic tests such as X-rays or analyses.

"The ultimate goal of the treatment is to return the species to nature as soon as they present a stable state of health and favourable sea conditions," he clarified.

CRAM recommends that whenever someone sees a marine animal stranded on the coast, they should contact the GNR (National Republican Guard) or the Nature Wardens.