In the pretty coastal village of Gweek is Cornwall’s beloved and cherished Seal Sanctuary. Dedicated to protecting, helping and rehabilitating many species of seal, as well as other marine animals, this dedicated charity is an always-evolving sanctuary for those in need.
The story of the Gweek Seal Sanctuary began in the winter of 1958. As founder Ken Jones walked along his local beach at St Agnes, he spotted an indistinct shape on the sand. On closer inspection, he realised to his surprise that it was a baby seal, only a few hours old, washed up by the winter seas. Realising it needed help, Ken scooped the pup up and took it home.
From that moment on, Ken began dedicating as much time as possible to rescuing stranded seals and oiled birds. With just one pool at his home in St Agnes he, along with his wife, Mary, worked hard to rescue, rehabilitate and release as many sick and injured animals as they could. As word spread, Ken received more and more appeals for help from around the county and eventually The Cornish Seal Sanctuary was born.
To this day, The Cornish Seal Sanctuary plays an integral in looking after local wildlife – always with the intention of nursing animals back to full health so that they can be returned to the wild. That said, as the years have gone on, the sanctuary has also become the retirement and permanent homes of elderly and vulnerable seals whose conditions mean they wouldn’t survive in the wild. These include a number of resident grey seals, such as the adorable, doe-eyed Banana.
All the staff members at The Seal Sanctuary are very knowledgeable and friendly and can easily tell you the names of each of the residents and their histories. There are a wide range of talks throughout the day, as well as feeding times so you have plenty of opportunities to see these ocean beauties out and about.
As well as seals, The Cornish Seal Sanctuary also looks after an array of different species and takes part in a number of different conservation projects, such as collaborations with the Beaver Trust. Turtles, sealions, penguins and otters have all been through the sanctuary doors, while today, the sanctuary also shelters beautiful Icelandic puffins and paddock animals.
To add a unique twist to each visit, the Sanctuary offers a range of VIP packages for a uniquely memorable experience. An unforgettable day out, ‘Breakfast with the Seals’ involves an early entry to the Sanctuary, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide talking you through the work of the sanctuary and each animal in detail, as well as lots of funny anecdotes.
The highlight of the experience is learning about what these seals eat, what is good for them and what treats they like, before getting the chance to feed them and watching them come to life. This experience also encompasses a continental breakfast at the adorable on-site café.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a wonderful organisation to support as it is a sanctuary rather than a zoo and provides an invaluable resource for local wildlife. Open every day, expect Christmas Day, it’s a wonderful, family and dog-friendly place to visit, whether you are interested in learning about how Cornwall is helping towards the preservation of our oceans or simply would like to see these intelligent, inquisitive and endlessly charming beings up close.
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The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall, TR12 6UG | 01326 221 361 | www.visitsealife.com/gweek
