The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has launched an urgent appeal to help one of its most‑loved residents, Jarvis - a seal who has never seen the world around him - gain the chance to see for the first time.
Jarvis was rescued in 2016 and has lived with cataracts in both eyes ever since. Now, specialist veterinary surgeons believe cataract surgery could finally give him the opportunity to experience sight for the first time in his life.
At almost a decade old, Jarvis has never seen the faces of the people who care for him, or the other seals he shares his home with.
Despite this, Jarvis - described as “playful, cheeky, and full of personality” - has never let his blindness hold him back. He has learned to navigate his surroundings using his other senses, supported by an expert care team who have helped him thrive over the years.
“Jarvis has never let his blindness define him,” said Clare Addyman, Animal Care Specialist and Jarvis’ primary carer at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
“He is such a special character and has an incredible ability to adapt to the world around him. Everyone who meets Jarvis falls in love with him.
“The thought that he could one day see the faces of the people who care for him, or even see another seal for the first time, is incredibly exciting.
“We know there are no guarantees, but for the first time, there is a real possibility that we could give Jarvis the chance to experience sight.”
The proposed surgery is a complex specialist procedure. The cost of surgery, veterinary care and rehabilitation is expected to be around £7,800 per eye, meaning the Sanctuary needs to raise approximately £15,600 if both eyes can be treated.
The Sanctuary is now appealing to the public to help raise the funds needed to give Jarvis this potentially life‑changing opportunity.
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Every donation, no matter how large or small, will help bring Jarvis one step closer to potentially seeing his world for the first time.
For those unable to donate, the Sanctuary is also asking supporters to help by sharing Jarvis’ story with friends, family, their communities - and even their opticians.
“This is about giving Jarvis an opportunity that most of us take completely for granted: the chance to see the world around him,” added Clare. “We would love to be able to give him that chance, and with the support of our incredible community, we hope we can make it possible.”
To donate, visit:
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