Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary traces its origins to 1958, when Ken Jones discovered an abandoned seal pup on the shores of St. Agnes. Alongside his wife Mary, he began caring for what he called the “orphans of the sea,” learning seal care through hands-on experience. The couple quickly became trusted experts, extending their efforts to other distressed animals, including birds affected by oil spills. From the beginning, they also offered a sanctuary for seals who could not return to the wild.

In the 1970s, the sanctuary relocated to Gweek to accommodate its growing operations. Today, under the SEA LIFE Trust, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary functions as a modern rescue and rehabilitation center, welcoming dozens of injured or stranded seal pups each year (with the capacity to care for six at a time). It offers long-term care to those deemed non-releasable and provides a permanent home for animals with ongoing needs. Apart form seals, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary also cares for a group of puffins.

The center is also deeply involved in education, conservation initiatives, and public outreach, fostering greater understanding of marine wildlife and the challenges they face.