News Update - Summer 2020
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| Calling all Sea Explorers
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Hunstanton SEA LIFE are ready and waiting to "Sea" your smiling faces as we welcome you back to our underwater world of adventure!
Whilst capacity is limited, the Sanctuary still have some availability for this weekend but please remember that ALL tickets must be pre-booked online.
Face Coverings/Masks do not need to be worn by visitors, but people will be given a temperature check before entering.
You must pre-book your tickets and a time slot in advance prior to your visit via the official website. Remember to read the FAQs page before booking. The Staff and Residents are very excited to see you all back very soon.
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| P-P-P-Perfect Surprise for Visitors returning to SEA LIFE Hunstanton
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#Lockdown sees birth of tiny penguin chick! Newborn weighed the same as four of the iconic Penguin biscuits. Chick has been named "Squirt" because of some VERY cheeky habits.
Staff have an extra special surprise for those returning to the site following its re-opening to the public on 4th July 2020. Whilst the rest of the aquarium has been quiet and peaceful, two frisky penguins have been very busy and have welcomed a tiny penguin chick.
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Born in the middle of lockdown on the 21st May 2020 to proud parents Conker and Sushi, the little penguin chick has been staying safe with its parents, at home in their nest. But, as the lockdown is slowly starting to be lifted, it too is starting to come out and meet this new world.
This is the first baby for parents Sushi and Conker, who themselves were both born at SEA LIFE attractions. Click here to read more.
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Squirt is starting to look out of it´s holt checking where dad is!
These photos below of the penguin chick were taken on 12th July 2020. Just click on the picture of your choice below to see a larger version. The chick is now starting to adventure out of his/her holt. Have you spotted him/her yet during your visit?
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Here are the latest photos of Squirt taken on 26th July, 6th, 13th and 30th August 2020, click on the picture of your choice below to see a larger version.
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Penguin Beach!
The sun is shiny here in Sunny Hunny and the staff would like to recommend all the tourists to protect themselves against UV rays while enjoy the sun - like the resident Humboldt Penguins in their own private beach.
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FUN FACTS ?? The Humbodlt penguins are currently going through their annual moult (a little like how your dogs and cats will shed their fur). This is also known as a "catastrophic moult" because they lose all of their feathers!
At the moment they look very scruffy, bald and will also will look a little bigger too, as they store more body fat during this time. They will grow all of their feathers back in 3-4 weeks and will look like they are wearing brand new shiny tuxedos!
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| Rescued Common Seal Pups - 2020
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Joe Wicks has been a little bit poorly recently and is currently on antibiotics but the amazing animal care team are working hard around the clock to try make him better. He has started having small swims and he´s still as shouty as ever so the team are hopeful he will recover quickly! Joe currently weighs 15.5kgs.
This photo of Joe Wicks was taken on 12th July 2020, Click here to see a larger version of this.
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Sir Tom is flying through rehab and has progressed from the special fish soup to eating whole fish! He loves blowing bubbles when he´s swimming and the team are now slowly starting to teach him to catch his own fish in his pool. Sir Tom currently weighs 14.5kgs.
This photo of Sir Tom was taken on 12th July 2020, Click here to see a larger version of this.
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Tony Hudgell was rescued on 12th July 2020 from Gorleston beach after being found injured and malnourished.
His right eye has been punctured, the animal care team suspect by an adult seal, and he will more than likely lose the vision in it.
The animal care team have checked him over and are now trying hard to rehydrate him and improve his body condition but the team have a big fight ahead of them.
At 9.2kgs, Tony is a third of the weight he should be at his age.
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Souvenir Guide Books
Here are the front covers of the Sanctuary´s Guide book.
If during your next visit you purchase a copy, the profits go towards the care of the rescued seal pups in the hospital.
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Click here or on the photo of your choice below to see a larger version of the image.
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| If you find a Seal in the Wild
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For almost 30 years Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary has been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing seal pups from the North Sea coastline and beyond that find themselves in trouble, whether it be eye problems, respiratory infections and malnourishment to broken bones, pollution-related problems and being separated from their mother too soon.
A quick reminder that if you discover a seal pup that is in distress or alone, please call the Hunstanton SEA LIFE on 01485 533576.
The Animal Care Team are on call around the clock to race to the rescue of seal pups in trouble anywhere around the coast.
DO keep your distance;
DON´T attempt to handle or touch the pup;
DON´T attempt to put the pup back in the sea;
DON´T ignore the situation;
DO tell the appropriate organisation.
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When you ring, please be prepared to give an exact location of the seal, your contact details, what condition is the seal in for example is it alone, thin, injured or seems unwell (noisy breathing, coughing, runny nose). Tell people around you to keep clear of the seal by at least 50 metres, if you can, draw a circle in the sand around the pup.
Remember most often seals come out of the water on to land to rest, digest after eating their food, relax and sleep.
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What to do if you find a dead seal on beach!
If you come across a dead seal, the advice is not to touch or go near it, please call
West Norfolk council on 01553 616200.
If you find a stranded living seal, please call the SEA LIFE Sanctuary on 01485 533576.
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This news update has been put together by volunteers/supporters of the Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary.
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