Within the walls of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, a yearly tradition unfolds: the crowning of the “nicest” and “naughtiest” residents. This year, the spotlight shone on two distinct personalities – Jarvis, an absolute angel, and Aayla, the self-proclaimed Queen of Chaos.
Jarvis earned the title of “nicest” with unwavering consistency. Staff describe him as the “goodest of good eggs,” a seal who hasn’t earned a spot on the naughty list all year. His willingness to learn, from mastering crate training to tolerating teeth brushing, solidified his angelic reputation.
The selection of the “naughtiest” resident, however, proved more challenging. The sanctuary admitted to a multitude of contenders, each with a unique talent for mischief. Ultimately, Aayla’s reign of playful chaos secured her the crown.
Aayla, the Queen of Chaos, is notorious for her daring fish-thieving escapades during feeding time and her dramatic vocalizations during naptime. She’s been observed transforming sun shades into makeshift hammocks, a habit repeated countless times, much to the amusement of the sanctuary staff.
In a heartwarming nod to the festive season, the sanctuary also recognized Logs as their Resident of the Month. Weighing in at a substantial 255kg – roughly the equivalent of two reindeer – Logs is the largest seal in their care.
Despite his imposing size and occasionally grumpy demeanor, Logs is described as a “total teddy bear” by those who care for him. The team has initiated a gentle diet to help him maintain optimal health, acknowledging his need to watch his weight as the new year approaches.
This year, the sanctuary welcomed a wave of adorable seal pups, each christened with a delightfully sweet name. Residents now include S’Mores, Meringue, Waffle, Custard, and Angel Delight, adding a touch of sweetness to the sanctuary’s vibrant community.
Established in 1975, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of these magnificent creatures. It stands as a testament to ongoing commitment to marine conservation.
