SEA LIFE TRUST Sanctuaries
The world’s first open water Sanctuary for beluga whales
The SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary is located in the Vestmannaeyjar Islands off the coast of Iceland.
A world first initiative, the SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary opened in May 2019 and provides a more natural home for two previously captive beluga whales, Little White and Little Grey, who used to live in Chang Feng Ocean Park, Shanghai, China.
We hope our Sanctuary will encourage others to put an end to the exploitation of these beautiful whales for entertainment purposes and take steps to ensure their future welfare.
You can find out more about the Sanctuary here.
Puffin Rescue Centre
The Vestmannaeyjar Islands are also host to the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in the world. When puffin chicks, known as pufflings, fledge they are meant to use the moon for guidance and fly towards the sea, but many of these little creatures become confused and disorientated, following the bright street lights and landing in the town. This is where the Puffling Patrol comes to the rescue.
All pufflings found by the local Puffling Patrol are brought to our Puffin Rescue Centre at the Beluga Whale Sanctuary where they are cared for until they can be released back into the wild. To find out more about the Puffling Patrol and our Puffin Rescue Centre, click here.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Ken Jones, founder of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, rescued his first seal in 1958 and the Sanctuary has been at its current site in Gweek in the UK since 1975. Sick and injured seal pups from around the Cornish coastline are rescued and cared for by our animal care team at the Sanctuary’s Seal Hospital.
Once they have made a full recovery the pups are released back into the sea. Some pups may have sustained injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild. They may be blind or have a long-term health condition. Our Cornish Seal Sanctuary provides a permanent home for these seals where they are able to live out the rest of their lives happily and in safety, while being expertly cared for by our team.
You can find out more about the Sanctuary and its vital work here.
