Seal Sanctuary - Cornwall
On the way home from our recent visit to Cornwall, we had the pleasure of visiting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Though prices to enter are on the heftier side, once you've paid you do have access for 12 months without paying further costs which is incredible.
I wanted to share our visit with you because they rely solely on people visiting and donations, so if I l can encourage just a few people to go based on our really enjoyable experience, I want to do that.
This charity rescues and rehabilitates, but also provides permanence for animals needing special care or if they're unable to be rehabilitated. There are a few more animals to see there as well as the seals, with their puffins, paddock animals, and beavers.
We managed to spend a full day there, so it's definitely worth the money even without the added bonus of being able to revisit for a year for free.
The work they do is absolutely amazing, to the point of having very minimal long term residents who they aren't able to rehabilitate to release, and these are usually pups who have needs such as blindness, where they just wouldn't survive in their natural habitat. The end goal for all pups they rescue is for them to have minimal intervention and be released at the earliest opportunity.
When we visited if I remember rightly there were six long term residents, which is just incredible considering they take in over 70 a year, so it really shows that the majority of these animals are being treated and released back to where they belong. There were four pups being prepared for release at the time of our visit. They did this by "graduating" from pool to pool at each strength, until eventually being ready to face the big wide world.
Being able to see the process at each stage really gives you a feel for the work they do, and shows you how dedicated they are to helping these beautiful animals live out their natural lives.
The Seal Sanctuary worked very, very differently to the likes of a zoo, as you are basically visiting a pet hospital and seeing their progress from rescue to release, as opposed to them being kept there with no medical need. It is absolutely a place I will be revisiting, and would highly recommend you give it a go if you can. It's suitable for all ages - I went with Alfie and Holly, and we all enjoyed it as much as the next person.
Where is the Seal Sanctuary?
It is based in Cornwall in Gweek Village. Though you can travel there by bus, it is recommended to get to them by car, if you can.
The full address is: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall TR216UG
Ticket prices
ADULT
Today/tomorrow and walk ins: £21.99
Advance saver (2 days ahead min): £17.59
CHILD
Today/tomorrow and walk ins: £18.99
Advance saver (2 days ahead min): £15.19
SENIOR/STUDENT
Today/tomorrow and walk ins: £20.99
Advance saver (2 days ahead min): £16.99
Family ticket - £73
Under 3s - Free
Assisting carer - Free
Book your tickets here:
https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/how-to-book-your-tickets/