Rescued seal celebrates 50th birthday at sanctuary

A grey seal found injured in the 1970s is celebrating her 50th birthday with a brass band and a cake made of ice and fish.

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

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

Mr Jones and his wife, Mary, initially cared for Sheba and other seals at their home in St Agnes before they developed the purpose-built sanctuary at Gweek in 1975.

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

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

She said female grey seals in human care can live to about 40 years, while male seals live to about 30 years.

"Reaching 50 is a huge milestone, not just for Sheba but for everyone here who has been part of her journey," she said.

"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, the charity said.

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, said: "The bond we’ve developed with Sheba over her lifetime is something truly special."

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