'Charming' puffins welcomed to Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary said its new Puffin Island was the only such facility in the UK

An animal rescue charity has welcomed rescue puffins from Iceland to its site.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary said all 10 of the puffins could not be released back into the wild.

The charity said the birds were transported from its sister Sea Life Trust Beluga Sanctuary in Iceland.

Puffin Island, a new addition to the site, is the animals' new home and the charity said it was the only such facility in the UK.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary said Atlantic puffins were native to Cornwall and classified as endangered

The sanctuary, in Gweek, said its sister sanctuary rescued, rehabilitated and released about 60 injured and oiled puffins every year.

However, there were a few that could not be released back into the wild due to the severity of their injuries and their inability to fend for or feed themselves, staff said.

The sanctuary said it wanted to "create space" to allow its sister sanctuary to continue its vital rehabilitation work.

Jana Sirova, head of sanctuaries for the Sea Life Trust, said they were "absolutely thrilled to welcome 10 new members".

'Captured our hearts'

She said the arrival of the rescued puffins from Beluga Whale Sanctuary marked an exciting milestone at the sanctuary.

"These charming seabirds have captured our hearts and we're honoured to provide them with a safe and loving home," she said.

"Our new Puffin Island exhibit will not only offer these incredible creatures a haven and care but also provide a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with them up close."

Ms Sirova said it was a "privilege to be the only sanctuary in the UK to house rescued puffins".

'Protect them'

"By showcasing the plight of the puffin, we hope to raise awareness about the challenges facing these endangered birds and inspire action to protect them," she said.

"Our aim is for these puffins to become ambassadors for their species."

Atlantic puffins are also native to Cornwall and classified as endangered and included on the red list as a species of concern in the UK, said the charity.