Saimaa ringed seal live camera moves to new location due to low water levels

The WWF’s popular Norppalive underwater camera, which broadcasts live footage of the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal, has been relocated for the first time in its 11-year history due to exceptionally low water levels in Lake Saimaa, Yle reports.

The original filming site, used for years, was abandoned after seals stopped frequenting the area. WWF’s development manager Justus Hyvärinen explained that the water level has been critically low for two consecutive years, forcing the seals to seek new resting spots.

A new, undisclosed location was selected in cooperation with local experts and ringed seal researchers from the University of Eastern Finland. The site had to meet strict criteria: it needed to be a known seal resting area, offer good network coverage for monitoring equipment, and allow cameras to be concealed to avoid attracting passing boats.

The new location has already seen activity. Footage from the University of Eastern Finland’s monitoring cameras confirms multiple seal sightings there, including a male identified only by the code Phs566, who may become the new star of the live stream. Unlike past fan favorites—such as Siiri and Pullervo, who rose to fame in 2016—no names have yet been chosen for the new seals.

Hyvärinen noted that while Pullervo was spotted this spring and appeared healthy, the camera’s focus remains on the new site for now. However, he did not rule out a future return to the old filming area, where Siiri and Pullervo were once regulars.

The Norppalive project, launched in 2016, has played a key role in raising awareness of the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the world’s rarest seal species with fewer than 500 individuals. The first season alone drew over two million views, though last year’s stream saw only one brief seal appearance—yet still attracted over a million visitors.

This year has been particularly challenging for the species, with six seals found drowned in fishing nets, highlighting their vulnerability. Hyvärinen emphasized that Norppalive has helped foster public support for conservation efforts, even among those who never visit Lake Saimaa.

Viewers are reminded to maintain a respectful distance from seals during their molting season, using binoculars for observation to avoid disturbing the animals. The live stream’s unpredictability—where seals may or may not appear—remains part of its appeal, Hyvärinen said.

Peak viewership occurred during the pandemic years, when more people had time to watch live nature feeds. The camera’s popularity has endured, with record-high engagement during periods of active seal sightings.

In a rare positive note, researchers confirmed that Hilima, the “mascot seal” of South Savo, gave birth to twin pups this spring—a highly unusual occurrence for the species, which typically has single offspring.