Penguin art up for auction at Cornish Seal Sanctuary

A penguin from the seal sanctuary in Gweek has turned artist as part of a charity fundraising campaign.

Squidge debuted his painting career with his first canvas of work – a stunning rendition of colourful penguin footprints – as part of his daily enrichment activities with the animal care team.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is auctioning off the work for the Fund Our Future campaign - which is hoping to raise £1.3million to redevelop four pools on the iconic sanctuary site.

Animal Care Specialist Polly Frier said: "We're always looking for new ways to keep our animal residents at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary curious, active, and enriched on a daily basis.

"Painting with Squidge is a voluntary activity and just one way we boost his stimulation as part of his regular care routine – and the results are pretty spectacular.

"If you've never seen art by a penguin before, it's just as beautiful and chaotic as it sounds, and it absolutely captures Squidge's cheeky personality."

Squidge was hand-reared by the team after his parents were unable to take care of him. Since then the team says he has grown into a confident penguin and they always knew he had a creative side.

Polly added: "Watching Squidge unveil his inner artist has been truly inspiring. They say creativity takes courage, and we've loved seeing Squidge embrace this new side of himself."

The A1 (60cm x 84cm) canvas has Squidge's official stamp for authenticity and is now available to bid on right here.