Rare Black Seal Pup Among Three New Admissions at Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek has welcomed three new seal pups to its hospital, including a rare melanistic seal pup named Monarch. The pups were transferred from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) Seal Hospital as part of their ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

A Unique Arrival: Monarch the Melanistic Seal

Monarch, a male seal pup rescued on 14th November in Port Isaac, is a rare melanistic seal—an occurrence seen in only one in 400 seals. This condition, caused by an overproduction of the pigment melanin, gives Monarch entirely black fur, eyes, and nails.

Tamara Cooper, Curator at the Sanctuary, shared, “Monarch is such a handsome pup! […] He’s now in the best place to recover from his nasty flipper infection and recuperate fully before moving into our nursery pools.”

Upon rescue, Monarch was found malnourished and with a swollen left flipper that medics feared might be fractured. Following an X-ray, he began treatment for an infection and is reportedly making good progress.

Continuing the ‘Bugs and Minibeasts’ Theme

The pups, named Caterpillar, Tiger Moth, and Monarch, join fellow patients Sun Beetle and Purple Hairstreak in the sanctuary’s hospital, following this year’s ‘Bugs and Minibeasts’ naming theme.

Collaboration to Save Seal Pups

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary and BDMLR have been instrumental in rescuing and rehabilitating vulnerable seal pups across Cornwall’s coastline. Over 40 pups have already been rescued this season.

Tamara highlighted the importance of teamwork, saying, “The passionate team at British Divers Marine Life Rescue has played a crucial role in rescuing and caring for these fragile seal pups before they have come to us at the Sanctuary for the final stages of their rehabilitation.”

The BDMLR’s specialist facility serves as an intensive care unit when the Cornish Seal Sanctuary’s hospital reaches capacity, offering vital support for seal pups in need.

Visiting the Sanctuary

Visitors are encouraged to meet Monarch and his fellow pups, learn about the rehabilitation process, and support the mission to protect Cornwall’s marine life. Tickets can be booked here.

What to Do If You Find a Seal Pup

If you encounter a seal pup on a beach, keep dogs on leads and children at a distance. Do not approach or chase the pup into the sea. Signs of distress or injury can be reported by contacting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at 01326 221361 or the BDMLR 24-hour hotline at 01825 765546.

Support the Mission

• Learn about the Pup My Ride Appeal.
• Become a supporter of British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

About the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from across Cornwall. Each season, they care for more than 70 pups suffering from malnourishment, injuries, or separation from their mothers.

Visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary to learn more about their vital conservation efforts and to support their work in protecting Cornwall’s seals and marine life.