Rescued Icelandic puffins find new home in Cornwall
They're being looked after by the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek
Last updated 8th Apr 2024
Ten Icelandic rescue puffins have arrived at their new home in Cornwall.
The birds were rescued by the Cornish Seal Sanctuary's sister organisation, the Sea Life Trust's Beluga Whale sanctuary in Iceland.
All ten of the puffins have been rehabilitated by the charity in Iceland, but can't be released into the wild, so they've been carefully transported to their new home at the Sanctuary in Gweek.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary’s brand new ‘Puffin Island’ exhibit will be the only habitat in the UK to housed rescue puffins, who, until now have only been visable in the wild in limited conservation areas.
Atlantic puffins are also native to Cornwall where they are sadly classified as endangered and included on the red list as a species of concern in the UK.
"These charming seabirds have captured our hearts"
The Seal Sanctuary are hoping the presence of these characterful birds will allow them to educate their guests about the ‘plight of the puffin’; making them ambassadors for the species and giving visitors a rare opportunity to engage with these captivating seabirds up close.
Head of Sanctuaries for the SEA LIFE TRUST Jana Sirova says, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome ten new members to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary family!
"The arrival of these rescued puffins from our sister SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland marks an incredibly exciting milestone for us.
"These charming seabirds have captured our hearts, and we're honoured to provide them with a safe and loving home here in Gweek."