Seal sanctuary's oldest resident mourned

Sheba was rescued in 1974 by Ken Jones, one of the founders of the sanctuary

Staff at a wildlife sanctuary are mourning the passing of a seal who had lived there for more than 50 years.

The seal - known affectionately as Queen Sheba - had been a resident of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek since 1975, when the sanctuary was built.

She was a pup when she was rescued in 1974 by founder Ken Jones and his wife Mary, who cared for Sheba and other seals at their home in St Agnes before the sanctuary was built.

Paying tribute to the seal after her death, sanctuary staff said she had "won the hearts of staff, guests, and fellow seals alike".

Staff at the park said Sheba was "forever the heart" of the sanctuary

The sanctuary said: "Today marks a very sad day for the aanctuary team, as we say goodbye to our oldest and most incredible resident seal Sheba.

"For over 50 years, Sheba was one of the most beloved residents of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Rescued as a pup by founder Ken Jones in 1974, Sheba's injuries left her partially sighted and unable to return to the wild."

It said Sheba was known for "zooming around her pool and stealing toys" and "cuddling friends and guarding her favourite orange ball".

"Rest peacefully, Queen Sheba; forever the heart of our Sanctuary", it added.