Gweek Seal Sanctuary.
Gweek is situated at the head of the Helford River approx four miles from Helston. There is a boat repair yard, coal yard, three shops and a pub. There are five roads leading into Gweek from the Lizard, St Keverne, Helston, Falmouth and Constantine.
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The Seal Sanctuary is situated on the banks of The Helford River and there is a road along the creek from the centre of the village to the sanctuary's large car park. The Sanctuary at Gweek was opened in 1975 when it moved from smaller premises at St Agnes. It is run entirely on voluntary contributions and the admission charge is used solely for the upkeep and running costs. The Grey Atlantic Seal is born between September and December. This leaves the pups susceptible to the winter Atlantic gales when they are often injured or separated from their mothers. The seal pups are fed and cared for at the sanctuary until they are old enough to be released back into the sea. |
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There are five pools and a Hospital where every rescued pup spends the first few weeks recovering from starvation, injuries or pneumonia. Fish are emulsified and fed to the pups 4 times per day until they are able to take solid fish. When recovered sufficiently they are transferred to a pool where they learn to catch their own food. Some seals are so badly injured that they have to be permanently housed at the Sanctuary. The sanctuary is in a beautiful setting and when visiting, a camera is a must. Leading from the seal pools is a nature trail following the river and leading to the woods. Click on the photo to open a new window to visit the Sanctuary's own site. |
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