Gweek seal sanctuary - cornwall (National Seal Sanctuary)

Member Name: jamesprince

Product:	National Seal Sanctuary
Date:	13/10/08 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: the seals are amazing,

Disadvantages: none

we visit gweek seal sanctuary every year when we go to cornwall, although most of it is still the same apart from the new seal pups that they have rescued it is a great place to visit, you will only need a couple of hours for the whole visit but it is amazing to see the seals close up, there are also sea lions & otters to see as well as ponies.
There is a play area for the kids & a splash pool where there is a member of staff showing you crabs etc that will handle them to show you them clearer.
The staff have set feeding times at each pool where you get to learn about the seal/sea lion about how they came to be at the sanctuary.
there is a seal hospital where the new seals are admitted, the seal pups you see in there are gorgeous, but it is heartbreaking to hear there stories smetimes, but often they get released back into the sea.
there is also a nursery pool where they are getting ready to be relaesed or mixed in with other seals.
there is a nature trail for the kids & they are also given a special scrath sheet with questions on & they can get the answers as they go around, so the learn something too.
When you get there there is a bus that can take you down the track to the seals & bring you back up again if you want too, we have used this but i must admit i enjoy the walk down to them as there are some amazing views out to sea.
My 2 boys are another reason we visit every year, my 4 year old has taken to a sea lion named rocky that is blind & going to cornwall would not be the same for him without our trip to the sanctuary.
It is well worth the visit once, the seals are breathtaking, untill you have seen one up as close as you do there you will never realise how beautiful & amazing they are & it will make you more aware of there safety in the sea, ie, not leaving your rubbish behind etc as you will see the damage it can do.
A nd you will go away after your visit knowing you have helped the seals in a way by visiting as the money from your tickets helps them.
Be prepared for an amazing shop at the exit, oh & there is one half way around now too near the new lagoon where you can go under neath & be below the water level so that you can see the seals swimming around under the water, most of the time they come really close to the glass.

Summary: great to visit for a couple of hours, makes you appreciate life in the sea