Who doesn’t love seals? These may be the cutest of all the sea animals in the entire world. And there’s a cuddly collection of these incredible creatures waiting to meet you at Cornwall’s only seal sanctuary and rescue centre.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in the village of Gweek, near Helston, is more than just a sanctuary, though. There’s a heavy emphasis on the rescue centre element of the attraction due to the incredible work of those experts who rescue sick, injured or distressed seals and other marine animals who need help. These creatures are brought in and cared for at the centre before either being released back into their natural environment or being permanently housed there if they are not fit for a return to the wild.
Between September and March every year, the sanctuary rehabilitates more than 70 seal pups who have been rescued. It’s a moving experience to hear about dramatic rescues and the work of those kindhearted seal and sea lion rescuers at the centre. The stories of the animals themselves are also recounted at the attraction when you get up close and personal with them. Also see the centre’s penguins and paddock animals, the main convalescence pool with its resident grey seals and the three underwater viewing areas, plus make sure you visit the Seal Hospital where the life-saving work is carried out by specialist medical experts. And join in all the fun activities that are organised at the sanctuary on a regular basis.
On top of all this, the 42-acre grounds at the centre are well worth a wander, especially as there’s a woodland quiz trail for the kids, a café with undercover seating and two gift shops. All tickets must be pre-booked but it’s so worth it, whether you’re a child who wants to meet a seal for the first time or an adult who’s keen on both learning about and supporting the work of all the people in Cornwall who give their time and expertise to rescuing some of the cutest sea creatures off our shores in times of distress and need.