Cornish Seal Sanctuary penguin uses feet to create artwork

A humboldt penguin affectionately called ‘Squidge’ has been creating colourful A2 paintings using his footprints as part of his daily enrichment with the animal care team at the sanctuary to, help raise essential funds for the Fund Our Future campaign.

To keep Squidge and other animals at the sanctuary engaged and active they take part in enrichment activities during the week. For Squidge, his painting activity is part of his daily routine to ensure he remains curious, active, and enriched.

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All painting sessions have passed welfare checks and have been fully approved by the sanctuary’s veterinary specialists with the paint used certified as pet and child friendly and completely washable.

The £1.3 million Fund Our Future campaign is to redevelop the pools at the seal sanctuary and to continue world-class animal welfare as well as remain as world leaders in seal conservation and care.

With the support from the public, the sanctuary hopes to:

• Build a state-of-the-art filtration system which will dramatically improve water quality and clarity for animals and visiting guests alike.
• Provide better access to pools for our animal carers (giving them more space to train and enrich our residents alike)
• Create a new undercover viewing area with seating and education spaces.
• Exceed recommend standards in marine mammal care.
• Inspire the next generation to help us take work forward.

There are various ways to get involved with the fundraising campaign from Squidge’s painting to donating to the sanctuary’s online fundraiser.

For a fundraising pack, email fundraising manager, Leanne Webb at leanne.webb@sealifetrust.com.

You can also text SEAL followed by your donation amount to 70490, however, texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.