Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary

Founded in 1965 by John Yeadon and officially opened by Princess Margaret, Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary on the Lincolnshire Coast has become one of the UK’s most iconic coastal wildlife rescue centers. Naturland is best known for its work rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured harbor and grey seal pups found stranded along the beaches of East Lindsey. Each year, the sanctuary takes in between 30 to 60 seal pups, caring for them in its dedicated seal hospital until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild.

Natureland’s legacy includes some extraordinary rescues: a lost walrus named Wally in 1981, a hooded seal from Greenland in 2012, and even dolphins, whales, and oiled seabirds over the years. These rare cases highlight the center’s broad expertise and its readiness to respond to unusual marine emergencies.

While seals remain the heart of Natureland’s mission, the sanctuary also houses a diverse collection of animals including African penguins, meerkats, alpacas, crocodiles, tropical butterflies, and reptiles, making it a popular family destination. Visitors can witness the full rehabilitation process, from feeding sessions in the rearing pool to educational talks that showcase their non-releasable resident seals’ natural behaviors. Still run by the Yeadon family, Natureland operates as a non-profit organization, relying on visitor admission fees and donations to fund its rescue work.