Sheba, a gray seal at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in southwest England, celebrated her 50th birthday, making her possibly the oldest seal in captivity. She was rescued in 1974 with a head injury and eye infection, and was rehabilitated by Ken and Mary Jones, founders of the sanctuary. Sheba’s condition prevented her return to the sea, and she has outlasted all other creatures at the facility, becoming a beloved fixture. The care she has received and advances in veterinary medicine have contributed to her longevity, as seals typically live 25-30 years in the wild.
While Sheba is well-known and well-liked by the public, she is not the most cooperative creature. Raised by Jones without training for animals that stayed behind, she has been reluctant to learn new tricks, such as being rolled over for inspections or taking drops for her eyes. She is described as a bit stubborn and only participates in training on her own terms. Despite her reluctance, she happily chomped on a birthday cake made of ice and fish during her celebration at the sanctuary. Sheba’s caretakers have noticed that she will eat any fish and is not particularly fussy when it comes to her diet.
Spook, a male gray seal born at the New York Aquarium in 1965, was previously thought to be the oldest seal when he died just weeks before his 45th birthday in 2010. However, based on research conducted by the sanctuary staff, they believe Sheba is now the oldest seal in captivity. Female seals in captivity can live up to 40 years, while males typically live around 30 years. Sheba’s longevity is a testament to the care and dedication of the staff at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, who have worked tirelessly to ensure her well-being throughout the years.
At Sheba’s seal-abration, a brass band serenaded her and visitors and staff sang “Happy Birthday” as she enjoyed her ice cake. Despite her stubborn nature, Sheba has become a beloved member of the sanctuary and has touched the hearts of all who have cared for her over the years. She continues to be a favorite among visitors, who marvel at her incredible journey from a rescued pup to the oldest seal in captivity. As the sanctuary continues to care for Sheba and other seals in need, her story serves as an inspiration for the importance of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
