We are proud to announce that we have become business sponsors for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, part of the SEA LIFE Trust, which is a registered charity working globally to protect our world’s oceans and the amazing marine life that lives in them.

We recently took a visit to the Sanctuary, in the village of Gweek, on the South Coast, to learn more about what they do, and to see our new banner proudly displayed at the main entrance! Each pup season, which runs from September to March, the Sanctuary rehabilitates over 70 seal pups, who come in for various reasons, whether that be due to injuries, malnourishment or being separated from their mum. It costs around £2000 to rehabilitate a seal pup, and the charity relies solely on donations to run the Sanctuary.

We learnt the stories of each seal as we journeyed around the pools, Sheba, the grey seal, has been at the Sanctuary since she was a pup in the 1970s, she is now 49 years old and has become a resident, she is partially sighted, but gets on brilliantly with the other seals and has had a happy long life at the Sanctuary. A handful of seals are unable to be safely released, so the Sanctuary becomes their retirement home!

We also visited the Seal Hospital, where the poorly pups go when they arrive, Leanne, the Fundraising Manager, introduced us to 'Jennifer Aniston', who was recently rescued by British Divers Marine Life Rescue, who works closely with the Seal Sanctuary. Unfortunately, Jennifer Aniston came in with an injured mouth and a heavy worm burden, so is currently being closely monitored before they can continue their rehab in the nursery pools, and then eventually onto release when they are fully recovered.

This year the Sanctuary has had some exciting new additions, 10 Icelandic rescue puffins, who were carefully transported from their sister charity Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland. The beautiful birds were unable to be released in Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland due to their injuries and inability to fend for themselves. They are settling into their new home in Cornwall well and have captured the hearts of many of the staff at the Sanctuary.

We hope our sponsorship donation can help the Sanctuary continue its important rehabilitation and care of these wonderful animals around the Cornish coast. If you would like to visit or learn more about how you can support the seal rescue work, click here.

What to do if you find a pup on the beach:

The charity is now reminding locals and visitors alike that disturbance can be a real issue for pups on the beach, often leading to abandonment by their mums, which can be fatal.

Those who do see a pup on the beach are advised to keep dogs on leads and children away, and not to approach or chase the seal back into the sea.

If you believe the pup is in distress or needs medical attention, you can find the signs to look out for and what to do next. You can also call the Cornish Seal Sanctuary directly on 01326 221361 or British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546 for more help and advice. Read more on safe seal spotting here.

Tags: Charity | dog friendly | South Cornwall | Animals |