In a remarkable display of longevity, Sheba, a gray seal residing at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, is set to commemorate her 50th birthday on September 21, 2024. This milestone not only surpasses the typical lifespan of wild seals but also potentially establishes Sheba as the oldest seal in captivity.
Sheba's journey began in September 1974 when she was discovered on a Cornwall beach with a head injury and severe eye infection. Ken Jones, who found her, initiated her rehabilitation in a home pool. As Sheba grew, so did the rescue operation, eventually relocating to the Helford River in Gweek village.
Gray seals, known for their distinctive long noses and horse-like profiles, typically live 25 to 30 years in the wild. Females in captivity can reach 40 years, while males usually live to about 30. Sheba's exceptional longevity is attributed to the dedicated care she's received and advancements in veterinary medicine.
Tamara Cooper, curator at the sanctuary, expressed the significance of this event: "Reaching 50 is a huge milestone, not just for Sheba but for everyone here who has been part of her journey."
Sheba's life at the sanctuary has been marked by her unique personality. Heather Green, an animal care specialist, describes her as "a bit stubborn." Unlike seals trained from a young age, Sheba shows reluctance in learning new behaviors, often preferring to do things on her own terms.
Gray seals are known for their intelligence and can be trained to perform various tasks. They can dive to depths of up to 300 meters and stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. These marine mammals have excellent underwater hearing and use vocalizations for communication.
The public has been invited to join Sheba's "seal-abration," where she'll be serenaded with "Happy Birthday" and presented with a specially crafted ice cake adorned with the number 50, topped with mackerel and herring. This celebration not only honors Sheba but also highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts.
"She's a bit stubborn. She'd been so used to just being fed and not having to work for her fish that even now she still protests slightly. If we ask her to do any behavior or something, it's all on her own sweet time and she'll definitely let you know if she's up for training or not."
It's worth noting that gray seals have been protected in the UK since 1970 under the Conservation of Seals Act. These marine mammals can weigh up to 300 kg and grow to 3 meters in length. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Sheba's story serves as a testament to the advancements in animal care and the dedication of sanctuary staff. Her longevity surpasses that of Spook, a male gray seal born at the New York Aquarium in 1965, who was believed to be the oldest seal in captivity when he died just shy of his 45th birthday in 2010.
As Sheba enters her sixth decade, she continues to be a beloved fixture at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, inspiring visitors and staff alike with her resilience and unique character.