SEA LIFE Trust

Merlin Entertainments has unveiled the SEA LIFE Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary’s new campaign to protect seal pups this winter season, known as ‘Put Pups First’.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, which is part of Merlin’s SEA LIFE Trust, is concerned about the increased danger of seal disturbance.

In response, it is launching the ‘Put Pups First’ video campaign to help educate the public on what to do if they encounter a seal pup in the wild.

Disturbed pups can end up being rejected by their mothers, and can starve or get injured when attempting to escape, according to Merlin.

What to do if you encounter a seal pup in the wild

The sanctuary worked on the video campaign with wildlife filmmaker Doug Allan, wildlife presenter Megan McCubbin, Spring Watch presenter Hannah Stitfall and surfer Lucie Rose Donlan.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has been an animal rescue facility for more than 60 years, helping seal pups in need from around the coastline.

It is the only seal sanctuary in Cornwall, and pups rely on its team of experts for support through the difficult winter months.

Sanctuary calls for help during coronavirus crisis

cornish seal sanctuary

SEA LIFE Trust

The sanctuary team administer life-saving medication, offer vital surgery, and help seal pups learn how to fend for themselves before releasing them back into the wild.

In light of the coronavirus crisis, the sanctuary is struggling with losses of £700,000 and is calling for help to continue its work as the pup season comes up.

Seal pups cost on average £2,000 each to rehabilitate. This does not include special cases, with one pup found dangerously entangled in netting and another needing life-saving surgery.

Seal pups cost around £2,000 each to rehabilitate

cornish seal sanctuary

SEA LIFE Trust

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues more than 75 pups each season, and has created the ‘Put Pups First’ appeal on Just Giving.

The SEA LIFE Trust recently confirmed the safe arrival of two beluga whales, Little Grey and Little White, at the world’s first open water sanctuary for belugas in Iceland.

The Beluga Whale Sanctuary and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary recently ran a series of live streams offering a behind-the-scenes look at the SEA LIFE Trust sanctuaries.