The SEA LIFE Trust’s Sanctuary Mission
As part of its global mission to protect our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home, our partner charity, the SEA LIFE Trust, goes beyond funding vital conservation projects around the world—it also owns and operates two pioneering marine animal sanctuaries. These unique sanctuaries provide a safe, permanent home for animals in need, setting a powerful example of what marine protection can look like in action.
Beluga Whale Sanctuary
The SEA LIFE TRUST recently created the world’s first whale sanctuary for formerly captive beluga whales off the south coast of Iceland. The first two residents, Little White and Little Grey, travelled over 6,000 miles from an aquarium in China to their new home on Heimaey Island in June 2019.
Find out more
Meet the residents
Little Grey
Little Grey is extremely curious and vocal. She was the first to swim out to explore the larger area in the sea sanctuary and is often a bit mischievous. Little Grey makes a wide range of vocalizations to the beluga care team when she wants attention or to express herself. She is very interested in anything new and often chooses to be the centre of attention.
Little White
Little White has a cautious and reserved demeanour until she gets to know her surroundings or the people nearby. She tends to follow Little Grey's lead, and forms a close bond with select members of her care team. Little White is also incredibly patient and likes to take her time exploring her surroundings.
Cornish Sea Sanctuary
The SEA LIFE Trust also runs the Cornish Seal Sanctuary on the Helford Estuary in Gweek, where sick and injured seal pups receive expert care at the onsite Seal Hospital so that, once they have regained full health, they can be released back to their home in the sea.
Find out more
Meet some the residents
Ray
Ray is a grey seal, he was rescued after being found pressed up against the side of a rock face during a bad storm. He now has a home at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Prince
Rescued in 2019 from Titchwell beach. He's very feisty and is being well cared for by our specialist animal care team. Since his arrival he’s doubled his weight to over 12Kg and has pulled through the nasty infection he arrived with. He’s now eating whole herring fish and continues to go from strength to strength. He now enjoys lengthy swims during the day and it shouldn’t be too long before he is ready to progress to the pup pool.
Babyface
Babyface is a common seal and was rescued in 1978. He now lives at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Kylie Minogue
Rescued in 2019 from Snettisham beach at 7.5Kg, Kylie was massively underweight, but she has since gained 2kg. Woo! Whole herring fish have been added into her diet, but she’s still getting the special fish soup mixture to help her fully recover.
SEA LIFE Trust is a charity registered in England & Wales (1175859) and company limited by guarantee (10833916); both are registered at Link House, 25 West Street, Poole, BH15 1LD. Images © SEA LIFE Trust
