Rescued seal celebrates 50th birthday at sanctuary

A grey seal found injured in the 1970s is now celebrating her 50th birthday at an animal sanctuary.

Sheba was found with a nasty infection in both eyes when she was rescued in Cornwall by Ken Jones in 1974.

Mr Jones and his wife, Mary, initially cared for Sheba and other seals at their home close to the beach in St Agnes.

They developed a purpose-built site, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, at Gweek, Cornwall, in 1975.

Sheba, who was left partially sighted from her eye infection, has been living at the sanctuary ever since.

Experts at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary say she is believed to be the oldest grey seal living in human care.

Tamara Cooper, curator at the charity, said most seals live for around 25 to 30 years in the wild.

Female grey seals in human care can live to around 40 years, while male seals live to around 30 years.

Ms Cooper said: “Reaching 50 is a huge milestone, not just for Sheba but for everyone here who has been part of her journey.

“It’s certainly a testament to the advancements in veterinary care and the specialised attention we provide for our animals here at the sanctuary.”

Sheba is a favourite among visitors and staff due to her playful personality and enjoyment of enrichment activities, such as playing with an orange squeaky ball.

She requires constant monitoring and regular medication for her eye condition, and keeps active despite her advanced years.

Ms Cooper, who has worked at the sanctuary since 2001, added: “The bond we’ve developed with Sheba over her lifetime is something truly special.

“We’ve seen her grow and adapt, and we’ve worked hard to provide the best quality of life for her.

“This milestone is such a proud moment for all of us.”

Supporters are invited to join a birthday party for Sheba on September 21.

Sheba will be presented with a fish-shaped ice cake filled with her favourite seafood, as staff sing Happy Birthday to her.

The charity is asking people to donate to their Fund Our Future project, to provide Sheba with better filtration and greater space in her pool, as a birthday gift.