Adoptions
Marlin was rescued in 2002 from Sennen Cove. He was tangled in fishing netting, which unfortunately is not uncommon for seals. Marlin was in the process of rehabilitation and set for release when it was noticed that he was losing weight and bumping into other seals and the side of the pool. After further investigation, it was discovered that he is completely blind. As there were no obvious injuries to his eyes, it is likely that he was born blind, so he was given a permanent home at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Marlin’s limited vision hasn’t stopped him from excelling at husbandry training, and he is a firm favourite with both staff and visitors.
Banana, Grey Seal
Banana was rescued on 24th August 2018 from Trevellas Cove, Cornwall. She was around eight months old at the time and was malnourished with bite wounds to her flippers and parasitic pneumonia. She was released after getting better, however she was re-rescued at a later date due to difficulties and it became apparent she wouldn’t survive in the wild, so has become a resident here at the Sanctuary.
Banana is very lazy, likes to spend most of her time on the side sunbathing. She occasionally has a funny five minutes where she chases the other young seals around causing trouble, but feeding time is when she really perks up and starts leaping out of the water with excitement.
She is very playful and often wraps herself up in the hose when the team are trying to clean the pool!
Pumpkin, Grey Seal
Pumpkin was rescued from Guernsey in 2011. He had a persistent urine infection which was later revealed to be due to kidney stones. This might not sound so unusual, but it is believed that Pumpkin is one of the only seals in captivity in the world with kidney stones - it really is that rare! Due to his condition, Pumpkin will be on medication permanently and is unable to be released; he will remain under the care of staff at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Pumpkin is an incredibly popular seal, with both visitors and staff. However, due to being one of the youngest seals in his pool; his energy and mischievous behaviour can occasionally cause trouble amongst his pool mates. He loves his training, with a particular love for surfboards and his orange ring!
(Photo Credit - Ellie Smart)
Jarvis, Common Seal
Jarvis was rescued off the coast of Porthminster, Cornwall in September 2016. He was underweight and was blind in both eyes, meaning he would have to remain under the Seal Sanctuary’s care.
Jarvis lives with our other common seals, Buddy and Bo.
He is quite shy however is becoming more confident. Jarvis is very clever and is advancing well with his training. He loves rubber dog toys and likes to throw them around!
Jinx, Grey seal
Jinx was rescued 21st April 2017 from Godrevy, Cornwall. She was dehydrated, malnourished and was displaying signs
of anaemia. When she first arrived at the Sanctuary, Jinx had a difficult time, suffering periods of anemia and an upset stomach. Tests revealed nothing, so Jinx had to be kept on her own to prevent her from possibly infecting any other seals here at the Sanctuary, whilst the team continued to treat her ailment.
After lots of investigation, vets found that steroids seemed to calm her condition, which is thought to be similar to irritable bowel syndrome in humans. Without the steroids, Jinx would become sick again, so the team decided to offer her a forever home.
Thankfully, she has been able to join all the other seals in the convalescence pool and enjoys playing with the rehabbing seal pups in the winter months. She
quickly learnt her own name and will come straight over to the team for her medicated fish.
Did you know the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is part of a collaborative rehabilitation project with the Beaver Trust? Our project is all about supporting the trust’s vital work to protect this incredible species, and make sure they have a future here in the UK for generations to come
With our Adopt a Beaver Kit, you can contribute to the Secret Creek project and make a positive impact on these vulnerable creatures. Your donation will go towards vital research, as well as the care and re-wilding of juvenile beavers.