SOS logo News Update Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Issue 102
December 2014

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Happy New Year to All
Here is a catch up of what the residents got up to during December 2014.
Happy Reading and hope you enjoy the photos and videos as well!
Convalescent pool
Ray, Fatima, Lizzie, Sheba and Atlanta are looking after all the rescued seal pups and teaching them how to compete for their fish during feeding times in the convalescent pool.

This winter Sheba (photo below) is 43 years old which we think now makes her the oldest female grey seal in captivity in the world.
Sheba is 43 years young
We will give you a full update of all the rescued pups shortly, however, a few of the pups are very close to their release weight of 40kgs, this means the Animal Care Team will be checking the tides and weather so there may be a release in January 2015.

Photo below: Atlanta keeping an eye on the pups.
The residents keeping the pups under control
Photo below: Kelly and Valentina cleaning the convalescent pool.
Kelly and valentina cleaning the convalescent pool
This pup (photo below) is enjoying getting piggy-back rides from his Uncle Ray in the convalescent pool.
This Pup is enjoying getting piggy back rides from Ray in the convalescent pool
Did you know that Ray has his very own facebook page? Click here to catch up with what he is up to.
Grey Seal Pool
Marlin, Flipper, Pumpkin and Yulelogs really enjoy feeding time as they get special individual attention from the Animal Care Team and Volunteers.
Grey Seals
Common Seal
Buddy is a real character and loves to sit and look out through the perspex barrier watching for the Animal Care Team to arrive with food.
Common seals
Patagonian Sea Lions
Diego and Noito are both doing really well and looking very handsome.

These nine years old Patagonian Sea Lions currently weigh just about 300 kilos, Diego and Noito still got another 100 kilos to go until they are fully grown.

During the winter months, they do like to cuddle up together and have afternoon naps.
Patagonian Sea Lion
Californian Sea Lions
André enjoys appearing at the window to the amazement of the visitors, he is keeping a look out for the fish van.
 Andre appearing out of the window
As you can see from this photo below, André is enjoying Dan, a member of the Animal Care Team, training him. The training gives the Animal Care Team a way to check André and Sunny when needed.

Click here to watch a short video of André doing his training.
Andre training
Christmas Day
On Christmas Day whilst we were all preparing and tucking into our roast dinners, spare a thought for Tamara and Kate, members of the Animal Care Team, who were at the Sanctuary looking after the rescued pups and residents.
Otters
During feeding time Starsky and Hutch like to wash their food in the stream before eating it, as they are suspicious of what the Animal Care Team might have put onto their food (like vitamins!).

At the end of the day before putting Starsky and Hutch to bed, the Animal Care Team put peanuts in their holt (the Otter´s favourite).
Otters
Penguins logo
The Humboldt Penguin are now loved up couples, Ivy & Piran, Lola & Gilbert and Yoni & Pine.   These guys will be together forever!   Do you think there may be the pitter-patter of tiny web-feet next year?
Penguins diving off the side
Paddock
Steve (photo below), the Pygmy goat, is missing his friend Andrew, who passed away earlier this year, at least Truffles is on hand to keep him company and to stop him getting in to toooooo much mischief.

Muffin is looking handsome in his red coat although he has been spotted rolling in the mud when nobody (he thinks) is looking.

Click on the following names to see photos of Tuppence, Bracken, Florence & Patrick, Stanley and Bluebell & Bella in the paddocks.
Steve
Badger - The Melanistic Seal Pup
Badger who was rescued on 5th November 2014 and now being rehabilitated at the Seal Sanctuary, was in the news earlier this month...Click here to read the press release.

Badger is a Melanistic Seal meaning pure black, not usual in Grey Seals. In the past 10 years, this is only the second time the Seal Sanctuary has rescued a Melanistic Seal.

Research carried out by Lenie ´t Hart in The Netherlands in 2010, found that there are Albinistic Common Seals (not found in Grey Seals) and Melanistic Grey Seals (not found in Common Seals).
Badger - The Melanistic Seal Pup
Team
Volunteers and Members of the Animal Care Team L-R: Amy, Kelly, Valentina, Kate and Elliot
Some of the members of the Animal Care Team and Volunteers
Visitors Photos
Amanda who lives in Cornwall wanted to share this amazing photograph with us which was captured by her son Jack.

Amanda said "this photo was taken using his GoPro camera in St Ives harbour early last September whilst canoe polo training. The training session was far from successful due to this friendly seal who chased the ball and the kayaks!".

Click here to see a larger version of this amazing photo.
Photo by Jack and Amanda of Cornwall
Adopt an Animal
Why not adopt a creature and help to maintain first class animal care at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.  A special way to honour a birthday, special occasion or to commemorate the life of a loved one, while supporting an important cause.   Please click here or send an email or call 01326 221361 for more details.
Adopt a Pup
If you discover an injured seal pup
Just like to remind you that if you discover a seal pup that is in distress or alone, please call the Seal Sanctuary on 01326 221361 and/or the BDMLR on 01825 765546.

DO keep your distance;
DON´T attempt to handle the pup;
DON´T attempt to put the pup in the sea;
DON´T ignore the situation;
DO tell the appropriate organisation.
A pup on the beach

Latest leaflet
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary´s latest leaflet is available, Click here to download a pdf version.

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