Seal Bromance at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary


The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has had their very own "Love Island" bromance develop between two resident Seals.

Grey seal Badger has been reunited with Pumpkin, after two weeks away from his best friend after having an operation and recovering in the nursery pools.


Badger
Badger Badger joined the Sanctuary back in 2014, after being rescued on the coast of Porthellick, Isles of Scilly. Badger had been abandoned by his mum and blood tests showed a high white blood cell count, indicating a possible infection. Further tests revealed a thyroid condition, meaning he will be on medication for the rest of his life, so was given a permanent home at the Sanctuary.

It was also discovered he is a melanistic seal; meaning he has a high concentration of dark pigmentation in his skin, after his first moult he revealed a stunning jet black coat.
Badger is nearing 3 years old and had begun to show signs that he was approaching sexual maturity. In particular Badger´s friendship with his pool-mate in the Convalescent Pool, Willow (photo right), had begun to turn a bit amorous!

The Sanctuary don´t aim to breed their seals as they would rather the space be available for rescued pups who are unable to be released, so the team decided that Badger would need to join the sanctuaries bachelor pool of male Grey Seals.
Willow
Badger in the nursery pool At this age the Sanctuary also castrate their male seals, as changes in their hormones as they approach maturity can cause them to behave more aggressively towards each other. In the wild this is natural as males aim to protect a territory and group of females.

However, by reducing these hormonal urges in their resident males the sanctuary have a far more peaceful and cohesive group who can happily live together.
A friendship which has really blossomed is between Badger and 6 year-old Pumpkin (photo right), who also lives in the Male Greys Pool. They were introduced a few months ago, before Badger´s operation and hit it off from day one, following each other around the pool, rolling around with one another and even causing mischief by climbing the Animal Care Team's pressure washer box together!

The team have been comparing the pair to "Love Islands" Chris and Kem.
Pumpkin
Badger Badger had his operation last month and has spent a couple of weeks in the Nursery Pools to allow his wounds to heal nicely.

Although he had a nice holiday in a new pool, the team were really excited to re-unite Badger and Pumpkin.

As soon as Badger´s transport cage came through the door Pumpkin was straight over to lead the welcoming committee!
As the team opened the door for Badger they had a few emotional moments touching whiskers before normal service resumed and they were back to splashing about playing in the pool! Badger


Press Release issued by the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
For more details, please contact Georgina Shannon on 01326 221361
Issue Date: 24th July 2017


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