News Update News Update Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Issue 261
May 2026

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Rescued Seal Pups 2025/26
Rehabilitation!
Pups Update : 2nd May 2026 - The whereabouts of the rescued seal pups.   Do you have a favourite? all of the staff have their own favourite rescued pup(s).

Rehabilitation Pool

Churro, Gelato and Hot Cross Bun.

The rehabilitation pool is the final stage of the rescued seal pups recovery!   The pups in this enclosure are now healed of any wounds, recovered from any illnesses, and some just need to put on a few more kilos to get to the target weight of 30+kg before they are released back into the wild.
ChurroGelatoHot Cross Burn




Feeding rescued/rehab seal pups in the nursery and rehab pools!

At the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, the rescued pups get a very different kind of care compared to the resident animals.

Once the pups are out of the hospital and have completed their treatment, the team takes a step back, even feeding happens out of sight so they don´t begin to associate people with fish (as much as they´d probably love that arrangement)!

The goal is always the same - healthy pups that become wild seals!

Feeding and interacting with seals in the wild can cause more harm than good, for both seals and people.   Once a seal starts linking humans with food, they can lose their natural wariness, which puts them at risk around boats, beaches, and busy coastal spots.

So, if you´re lucky enough to spot one in the wild, the best thing you can do is admire from a respectful distance, keep dogs on leads, and resist the urge to share your snacks...no matter how persuasive those big eyes look!



Sponsor a Pup

Events!
Join the Puffin Patrol this May School Half-Term!
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary have gone potty for puffins...with a week packed full of puffin-themed fun for the whole family between 23rd and 31st May 2026!

Join the Puffin Patrol and search the Sanctuary for the ten Icelandic Rescue Puffins, solve the clues and reveal the secret Puffin Patrol Password!   Venture over to Puffin Island to discover their fascinating stories and watch these charming little birds zoom through the water.   With talks and feeds, puffin themed craft and seal rescue demos throughout the week, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary has everything you need for a perfect family day out.

Running throughout May half term (23rd - 31st May 2026) - included with admission, book your tickets now!
Join the Puffin Patrol this May School Half-Term



Did any of you pop along to the Bioblitz Event in Penryn University Campus, if you did, we hope you stopped to say hello to us on the Cornish Seal Sanctuary stand on Bank Monday 4th of May 2026.

Thank you to Seal Research Trust for lending us some of their metal A2 information signage boards!
Bioblitz Event - 4th May 2026 - Penryn University Campus - Falmouth



Fundraising
Skydive for Seals 2026!

When : 26th July 2026 - 9am to 1pm

Where : Skydive Langar

Are you ready to do something unforgettable in 2026?

Join the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for Skydive for Seals and take on the ultimate challenge: a 15,000ft jump, 120mph freefall, and breath-taking views!

Every pound you raise will help support vital seal rescue, rehabilitation and the long term care of the resident animals at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

For more information and to sign up!
Sky Dive - 26th July 2026
Fancy taking on your own personal challenge for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary?

Why not contact jasmine.chater@sealifetrust.com for a copy of the Sanctuary´s fundraising pack.

Beach Clean Day!
Join the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and The Bay Hotel in Coverack on Saturday 16th of May 2026 at 10.30am for an hour to take part in the beach clean and protect our beaches and waterways!  

Suitable footwear and clothing is advised.   Children are welcome!   All children must be supervised by a responsible adult.   Don´t forget that everyone who takes part with the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, gets free day entry* to the Sanctuary!     *Pass must be redeemed within 12 months´ of beach clean.
Beach clean - Saturday 16th May 2026 at 10.30am

Other News
Something to Shout about!
We are so pleased to share that the Cornish Seal Sanctuary has been recognised by Which? as the "Best Wildlife Attraction in the UK".

This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, volunteers and supporters who help make the Sanctuary such a special place to visit, while supporting the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work!   Click here to read more.
Something to Shout about!



Dawson leaves us!
It´s a Special Day - The Cornish Seal Sanctuary are releasing one of the Entertainment Team, Dawson, as he goes back to USA.   Dawson has been the friendly voice that has rung around the Cornish Seal Sanctuary during talk times.   After a successful career with the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, it is time for him to take on a new challenge!

All the Very Best Dawson, you´re much loved and will be missed!   Thank You!



Naughty vs Nice resident of the month
It´s time for this month´s naughtiest and nicest residents!

Pumpkin and Willow are our Nice Residents for being so good in the build up, during and post of having their eye surgeries.   So Brave!

Aayla is our Naughty Resident this month for blocking the door of harbour view, she was also being impatient for her fish when the team are trying to come in to feed!
Naughty vs Nice resident of the month


Conservation Work
Join us for "No Mow May"!
This month the Cornish Seal Sanctuary are letting nature take the lead by taking part in "No Mow May!"   By leaving areas of grass uncut, we´re creating vital habitats and food sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators around the Sanctuary.

Why not join us at home and let your garden grow wild too?   Together, we can give wildlife a helping hand this spring!

#nomowmay #biodiversityconservation #wildlife #cornishsealsanctuary #pollinators
No Mow May!

Cornish Seal Sanctuary Online Shop!
Adopt a Resident?

Give a gift that truly makes a difference, adopt a resident today and be a hero for wildlife!

By adopting one of the incredible resident seals or rescue puffins, you´ll be directly supporting their care and conservation!   Your adoption helps to ensure that all of the resident animals receive the very best, from nutritious meals to expert veterinary support, and even fun enrichment activities to keep them happy and healthy.

Each adoption pack includes:-

-   Certificate of Adoption
-   A small Cornish Seal Sanctuary souvenir
-   Photograph of your adopted resident
-   Profile of your adopted resident
-   2 free entries to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary so you can visit your adopted friend
-   Exclusive 20% voucher for the Café or Gift shop

Every adoption contributes to the ongoing efforts of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, helping with the rescue, rehabilitate, and protect marine life for generations to come.

Your adoption not only supports your chosen animal but also plays a vital role in marine conservation.   By adopting today, you become part of the Sanctuary´s mission to protect these wonderful creatures and their habitats.   Click here for more details.
Adoption a resident!





Cornish Seal Sanctuary - On-site experiences
Jam or Cream first?
Make your next visit extra sweet between May - September...Join the VIP Cream Tea & Guided Tour experience at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.   Start with a fascinating guided tour, where you´ll hear the stories of the resident animals, visit Cornwall´s oldest working Seal Hospital, and discover how we rescue, rehabilitate and release seal pups back to the wild.

Then unwind with a traditional Cornish cream tea, fresh scone, clotted cream, jam, and your choice of tea or coffee.

Afterwards, enjoy the rest of your visit at your leisure, from meeting the seals to soaking up views across the Helford River.

Limited availability - get yours booked now! - Book at least 2 days in advance!
Jam or Cream first


Click here to view the latest Sanctuary´s map.

Click here to find out what to do if you find a Seal Pup or a Seal?

Six things to remember when spotting seals in the wild!

Say No to the Flying Rings
Cornwall Council voted unanimous for a Voluntary Ban on hollow Flying Rings last July 2025 and we are sure that your county wants to demonstrate that you are just as caring towards our marine life, so please push for a voluntary ban on flying rings in your areas.

In May last year the UK Seal Alliance launched the Save Our Seals from Flying Rings campaign - the response has been incredible so far!

We have 56,998 signatures so far and on our way to 100,000, so pushing for real change and action:- Local authorities voting on voluntary bans; retailers switching to solid disc frisbees; and growing awareness of the harm flying rings cause to seals.

Every name adds weight to protecting marine wildlife from unnecessary injury and suffering.   Please click on this link! and share the petition and help keep the momentum going.   Together, we can make beaches safer for seals.
Some of the animal care team holding flying rings
This isn´t about stopping people from enjoying the beach; it´s about making a small, simple change that has a huge impact.   Solid flying discs are just as fun, but unlike flying rings, they don´t pose a deadly risk to seals, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.   By making the right choice, we can all help prevent the needless suffering of our coastal animals.




This news update has been put together by volunteers/supporters of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
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