First look at Cornish Seal Sanctuary major redevelopment - biggest in charity's history

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has officially launched a new £1.3million fundraising campaign - as part of a major redevelopment project at the charity's site in Gweek.

The campaign, called 'Fund Our Future', aims to raise vital funds to futureproof the sanctuary and 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 in one of the biggest redevelopment projects the charity has seen in its 64-year history.

The new pools will bring a state-of-the-art filtration system, and improved access for the animal care team.

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.

Tamara Cooper, Curator of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, added:

"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."

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.

Click here to see more news and updates from Cornish Seal Sanctuary.