As Cornwall sizzles in a summer heatwave, the Animal Care team at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary are pulling out all the stops to keep their animal residents cool; including some very special birds from a much colder climate.
Among the Sanctuary’s many residents are ten Icelandic rescue puffins, who are more accustomed to the brisk summer temperatures of their native home; typically between 10–13°C.
With this week’s heat climbing well above 25°C, the puffins are experiencing temperatures nearly double what they’re used to. To help them stay comfortable, the Sanctuary’s Animal Care team has been getting creative by serving up frozen treats, cooling pool dips, and even providing puffin-sized deckchairs for them to chill out in!
Keeping it Cool on Puffin Island
The puffins’ private pool is being kept at a refreshing 10°C to help them regulate their body temperature, and they’re being treated to “Puffin Coladas”, a delicious custom-made cocktail of ice and frozen krill.
Heather Green, Animal Care Specialist at the Sanctuary, explains:
“This is the hottest UK summer our puffins have experienced since arriving from our sister Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland last year. We’re taking extra measures to make sure they stay safe and comfortable, including monitoring the temperature of their enclosure and adjusting ventilation behind the scenes.”
In addition to poolside refreshments, the puffins are enjoying enrichment activities like pecking at ice blocks and exploring mini ‘ice mountains’. Some have even shown surprising enthusiasm for the Cornish sunshine, competing over deckchairs and trying their wings at a spot of pool ‘surfing.’
“They’ve got access to plenty of shaded areas and their burrows for when they need to cool off,” adds Heather. “Our team is keeping a close eye out for any signs of heat stress and adjusting their environment as needed.”
While many of us may be dreaming of beaches and BBQs, at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, it’s all about chilled pools, icy fish snacks, and creative ways to help wildlife beat the heat!
Visitors to the Sanctuary can see the puffins enjoying their heatwave routine daily, cooling off, splashing around, and bringing a little Icelandic charm (and a lot of personality) to the Cornish coast.
To celebrate their 50th anniversary the Cornish Seal Sanctuary will be running a summer of Golden offers for their supporters; with the first offer being half price ‘Golden Early Bird’ tickets for visiting in August- Just book online before 18th July.
Visit ‘Puffin Island’ this summer, meet the puffins and celebrate 50 years of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, there’s never been a better time to visit.
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