At the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, the guest of honor isn’t just blowing out candles—she’s probably blowing bubbles! Meet Sheba, the gray seal who just turned the big 5-0, a milestone that makes her not just the oldest seal in captivity but possibly the sassiest. With her salt-and-pepper fur and a “don’t rush me” attitude, Sheba has been charming visitors and staff alike for decades. Now, as she celebrates her half-century, she’s proving that age is just a number—especially when you’ve got a diet full of fish and a personality as big as the ocean!
Sheba’s Journey
Sheba’s story began on a beach in Cornwall in 1974, when she was rescued as a young pup by Ken Jones. With a head injury and an eye infection, her future looked bleak. Ken and his wife, Mary, took her in and nursed her back to health in their backyard pool. What started as a small rescue mission for Sheba soon grew into the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, a place where over 70 seal pups are rehabilitated each year. Sheba may have lost her vision, but she gained a lifelong home and became the sanctuary’s living legend.
A Record-Breaking Seal Turns 50
Seals in the wild rarely live beyond 25 to 30 years, but Sheba has far surpassed that, making her possibly the oldest seal in captivity. Sheba’s caretakers attribute her longevity to the exceptional care she has received and advances in veterinary medicine. While most seals are content with a couple of decades, Sheba is clearly in no hurry to slow down. With her 50th birthday, she’s made history—and she’s not showing signs of giving up her throne as the oldest seal anytime soon.
Sheba’s Sassy Streak
Despite her age and wise, graying appearance, Sheba isn’t always the most cooperative resident at the sanctuary. Raised without the training that seals today receive, Sheba has her own way of doing things—on her own sweet time. Whether it’s a simple belly check or an eye drop, Sheba’s mood determines if she’s going to play along or waddle away with a splash. As Heather Green, one of her animal care specialists, says with a laugh, “She’s a bit stubborn.”
A Seal-abration for the Ages
To honor Sheba’s big day, the sanctuary threw her a “seal-abration.” Visitors were invited to join in the festivities, which included singing “Happy Birthday” to the birthday girl and presenting her with a special ice cake. Of course, this wasn’t your typical cake—it was topped with her favorite treats: mackerel and herring. And in true Sheba fashion, she wasn’t picky. “She’ll eat any fish,” said Green.
The Challenges of Caring for a Senior Seal
Caring for a seal of Sheba’s age comes with its own set of challenges. Her vision is impaired, her energy isn’t what it used to be, and she’s not too keen on learning new tricks. But the sanctuary’s team knows how to handle her quirks. “If she’s not in the mood, you just wait until she is,” Green joked. There’s no rushing Sheba—she’s been around long enough to know she’s in charge, and everyone else just follows her lead.
The Power of Veterinary Care
Sheba’s impressive longevity is also a testament to the leaps and bounds made in veterinary care for marine animals. When Sheba was first rescued, there wasn’t much hope for her survival. But thanks to improved medical treatments and the attentive care of the sanctuary’s staff, Sheba not only survived—she thrived. Every year she’s with them is a reminder of how far marine animal care has come.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
As Sheba celebrates her 50th birthday, she leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond her years. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the power of giving animals a second chance. She may be a bit stubborn, but that’s what makes her Sheba. The sanctuary wouldn’t be the same without her, and as she gracefully swims through another year, everyone at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is reminded of the magic that animals like Sheba bring into their lives. Here’s to many more fish-filled birthdays!
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