The SEA LIFE Trust’s Sanctuary Mission
As part of its global mission to protect our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home, our partner charity, the SEA LIFE Trust, goes beyond funding vital conservation projects around the world—it also owns and operates two pioneering marine animal sanctuaries. These unique sanctuaries provide a safe, permanent home for animals in need, setting a powerful example of what marine protection can look like in action.
Beluga Whale Sanctuary
The SEA LIFE TRUST recently created the world’s first whale sanctuary for formerly captive beluga whales off the south coast of Iceland. The first two residents, Little White and Little Grey, travelled over 6,000 miles from an aquarium in China to their new home on Heimaey Island in June 2019.
Meet the residents
Little Grey
Little Grey is extremely curious and vocal. She was the first to swim out to explore the larger area in the sea sanctuary and is often a bit mischievous. Little Grey makes a wide range of vocalizations to the beluga care team when she wants attention or to express herself. She is very interested in anything new and often chooses to be the centre of attention.
Little White
Little White has a cautious and reserved demeanour until she gets to know her surroundings or the people nearby. She tends to follow Little Grey's lead, and forms a close bond with select members of her care team. Little White is also incredibly patient and likes to take her time exploring her surroundings.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The SEA LIFE TRUST also runs the Cornish Seal Sanctuary on the Helford Estuary in Gweek, where sick and injured seal pups receive expert care at the onsite Seal Hospital so that, once they have regained full health, they can be released back to their home in the sea.
Meet some the residents
Banana
Banana was rescued from Trevellas Cove, Cornwall on 24 August 2018 at around eight months old, malnourished, injured, and suffering from parasitic pneumonia. After rehabilitation she was released, but showed unusual behaviour and re-stranded herself just three days later. Back at the sanctuary, she developed seizures and other traits that meant she could not survive in the wild, with vets suspecting congenital brain issues and prescribing medication. Today, Banana lives happily at the sanctuary, spending her days swimming and sunbathing with her pool mates.
Aayla
Aayla was rescued from Bacton, Norfolk in January 2017, malnourished and with an injured right flipper. A bone infection later required part of her flipper to be amputated. In July 2018 she moved to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, where she receives ongoing care, including treatment when her wound becomes irritated during moulting. Now thriving, Aayla is known for her playful, mischievous nature, often racing for food and pretending to get stuck in her toys for attention.
Atlanta
Affectionately known as Attie, Atlanta was rescued in 2001 from Oban, Scotland, after gull attacks left her blind. Due to her injuries, she could not survive in the wild and requires lifelong care. She is enthusiastic in training, responds well to vocal cues, and is patient during health checks, though always eager for her next fish. Attie enjoys her own space and lets others know when she wants to be left alone by slapping her belly with a flipper.
Marlin
Marlin was rescued from Sennen Cove in 2002 after being found entangled in fishing netting, a common hazard for seals. During rehabilitation he began losing weight and bumping into objects, and it was later discovered that he was completely blind, likely from birth as there were no visible eye injuries. Because of this, he could not survive in the wild and remained in care. Marlin is now known for his cheeky personality and love of stealing the hose to zoom around the pool.
SEA LIFE Trust is a charity registered in England & Wales (1175859) and company limited by guarantee (10833916); both are registered at Link House, 25 West Street, Poole, BH15 1LD. Images © SEA LIFE Trust
