£1.3m campaign launched to redevelop the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The massive project will see four new pools built at the Gweek site
A £1.3million fundraising campaign has been launched to help redevelop the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
'Fund Our Future' will see four new pools built at the Gweek site and is the biggest project in the charity's 64-year history.
It is aiming to raise money to futureproof the sanctuary as well as provide world-class facilities for seal conservation for the next generation.
As part of the project, the charity will be replacing four pools currently on site over the next two years.
From a state-of-the-art filtration system, to improved access for our animal care team, the new pools will be centred around exceeding all recommended standards in marine mammal care to date.
Jana Sirova, Head of Sanctuaries at SEA LIFE Trust, said: “With more than 60 years already under our belts, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is embedded into the hearts of our local residents and guests alike.
“From grandparents who remember visiting as children, to the youngsters now coming through our doors for the first time, our work continues to inspire generations to care for and support our wild marine species.
“This campaign, one of our biggest to date, is all about safeguarding our future and putting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at the heart of world-class animal welfare for years to come, allowing us to remain as world-leaders in seal conservation and care.”
With the launch of the campaign, the charity is now appealing to supporters and the wider community to help them reach their fundraising target.
The sanctuary says every penny raised from the campaign will go towards building these essential facilities, so they can continue to provide expert animal care and educate communities about the marine conservation.
Tamara Cooper, Curator of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, said: “These pools are the original pools that Ken Jones built when he moved the Sanctuary from St Agnes to Gweek back in 1975.
“And while our team is still able to deliver world-leading care to the animals we support here on site, the new pools will transform life for our staff here, as well as provide more space, better filtration and enhanced enrichment opportunities for our marine residents.
“We can’t do it without the help of our supporters, though, and we need all the help we can get to bring this vision to life.”
The new development will also see a brand-new underwater viewing area with seating, as well as increased education spaces to build community engagement with schools and organisations across Cornwall and beyond.
You can find out more and donate on the Cornish Seal Sanctuary website.