Rescued puffins at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek

The rescued puffins have arrived at their new home named ‘Puffin Island’ at the sanctuary in Gweek.

These ten puffins were previously rescued by its sister sanctuary, the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland.

Due to various long-term medical conditions, such as hip issues or blindness, they would not be able to survive in the wild.

However, Puffin Island will offer a haven for the birds and will provide an opportunity for visitors to see them up close, as the sanctuary is the only location in the UK to house rescued puffins.

The team hope that showcasing the puffins will raise awareness about the challenges that these endangered birds face, and will inspire action to protect them.

Sadly, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary team have had to say goodbye to former long-term residents, the penguins, who have gone to a new home.

A spokesperson from the sanctuary said: “We were sad to see our penguins leave but they have gone to Five Sisters Zoo near Edinburgh.

“They are with a much larger colony like they would be in the wild, which is beneficial to their wellbeing.

"However, the relocation of our penguins has enabled us to continue our vital conservation efforts at the sanctuary by providing a home for the rescued puffins.

"By showcasing these amazing birds we aim to raise awareness about the challenges facing these endangered birds and hopefully, inspire action to protect them."

Odin the puffin is one of the sanctuary's exciting new residents (Image: Asa Samuel /Cornish Seal Sanctury)

The sanctuary is probably best known for its resident seals, although last month it had to say goodbye to one of its most popular residents, Ray, after he did not recover as hoped from several medical procedures for a historical condition.

Read more about Ray here: Cornish Seal Sanctuary's tribute to 'Ray of sunshine' seal

To find out more about the puffins and other sea life, visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary website.