On the 12th of November 2025 marked a very sad day for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary team, as we said goodbye to our oldest and most incredible resident seal, Sheba.
For over 50 years, Sheba was one of the most beloved residents of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Rescued as a pup by founder Ken Jones in 1974, Sheba´s injuries left her partially sighted and unable to return to the wild.
Within the safety of the Sanctuary, Sheba thrived; strong, clever, and always knowing her own mind.
Affectionately known as "Queen Sheba", she won the hearts of staff, guests, and fellow seals alike.
From zooming around her pool and stealing toys to cuddling with friends and guarding her favourite orange squeaky ball, Sheba´s playful spirit shone every day.
The Sanctuary already feels emptier without her, but her legacy lives on in every splash and memory she leaves behind.
Rest peacefully, Queen Sheba; forever the heart of our Sanctuary.
SHEBA was the oldest female resident and one of the oldest seals in captivity in the UK. She was rescued as a pup from Cornwall in 1974 by Ken Jones, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary´s founder.
She had a nasty infection in both eyes which left her partially sighted - a condition that was exacerbated in bright sunshine or during her annual moult, when stray fur can aggravate her eyes.
Despite round the clock treatment to clear up the infections as quickly as possible, unfortunately Sheba had already lost the majority of her sight.
Though Sheba, or "Queen Sheba" as the team refer to her, has a stubborn streak, she was a true real sweetheart. She was a very smart seal and continues to learn new skills. Her age did not seemed to slow her down, as she regularly got the zoomies during training sessions and was quick to chase fish toys!
She loved all kinds of fish, frozen jelly and anything she can bite. Her favourite toy was an orange squeaky ball, which always proved a challenge for the Animal Care Team to retrieve!
Sheba had always got on brilliantly with all the other seals in the pool and absolutely adores enrichment activities, especially ice blocks with fish frozen into them and playing with huge fronds of seaweed.
In 2023 the Animal Care Team celebrated Sheba´s 49th birthday (and another shout out to our cake-making queen, Polly, for another fabulous creation)!
Sheba was originally rescued as a pup in Cornwall in the mid-1970s. She had nasty infections in both eyes which left her partially sighted; a problem which is exacerbated in bright sunshine or during the annual moult, when stray fur can aggravate her eyes.
Sheba is very social and playful; enjoying spending time with the other seals in the pool. She also adores enrichment activities - especially ice blocks or playing with huge fronds of seaweed!
The Oldest Seal in the World celebrates her 50th!
Sheba, celebrated her 50th birthday on the 21st of September 2024, reaching an age beyond what seals in the wild typically get to and possibly making her the oldest seal in captivity in the world.
Sheba had a rough start...She was brought to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in 1974 after being rescued from a beach with a head injury and an eye infection. She mostly recovered though because she partially lost her vision. She could not be released back into the wild. But she´s now outlived other animals that have come and gone from the Sanctuary and staff there says she´s become something of a favourite for the long time visitors.
A lot of people who are regulars at the Seal Sanctuary continued to watch her grow. So it´s definitely something that a lot of people feel quite connected to Sheba reaching this age because they have visited throughout the years, they have seen her grow and change and be with different seals and behave in different ways and find new things that she likes to do.
Seals usually survive 25 to 30 years in the wild. Sheba´s longevity is thanks to the care that she has received over the years and advances in veterinary medicine. Sheba celebrated her birthday with a triple layer ice and fish cake yummy.
Click here to read Sheba´s press release dated 18th September 2024.
Happy 51st Birthday to Sheba!
Our wonderful Sheba, the oldest resident at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, celebrated her 51st birthday on the 23rd of September 2025!
Known for her sweet but stubborn personality, Sheba loves nothing more than playing with her toys (especially her squeaky ball!) and relaxing in the pool, blowing bubbles!
