Surgery soon could give blind seal chance to see for first time

By Lauren Beavis

A blind seal is set to have surgery so he can see "for the first time."

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has launched a fundraiser for a proposed surgery for its resident seal called Jarvis - who was rescued in 2016 with cataracts in both eyes.

The procedure will involve cataracts removal surgery, starting with one eye to deem its success before proceeding onto the next.

Due to the expensive nature of the surgery, the sanctuary in Gweek, Cornwall, is hoping to raise $20,935 to cover the costs.

Clare Addyman, animal care specialist, said: "This potentially life-changing surgery is basically the best thing that we can offer Jarvis to give him the best chance at being able to see and live a life that is a little bit less fearful.

"It is quite an expensive procedure, I think it's probably one of our most expensive ones yet.

"Like with any procedure with eyes, there's a chance it might not be successful which is why we are starting off with the one, but the goal is to do both eyes.

"I think it's going to be quite scary for him to start with, I think he's got used to a world where he can't see, so it's going to be a bit overwhelming but I believe in the long run it's going to be really beneficial and is going to help him to feel safer."

Jarvis, a little 10-year-old common seal, has been living at the sanctuary for 10 years.

The team believes he was born blind, and describes him as a "funny" and "sassy" seal - who is fearful of the world due to his inability to see it.

Clare said: "Unfortunately Jarvis came in completely blind, a bit malnourished and with some superficial wounds.

"I'm not sure it was realized he was blind straight away, because seals are very good at concealing things like that.

"We think it was something he was born with.

"He's a funny fella, a little bit sassy and sometimes we all feel quite sorry for him because he's a little bit scared of the world but he has us on in his moments where he is a little bit greedy and will have a little bit of extra fish anyway!

"He's quite a fearful soul that has been here his whole life, but he does really well considering."

Jarvis is one of three common seals living at the sanctuary, the rest are gray seals.

He is well trained and has formed close bonds with the people who have supported him over the years - as well as two other younger seal brothers, one of whom latches onto Jarvis' back and follows him around the pool for safety.

Clare said: "Common seals are typically smaller and get spooked easily, especially if they have an issue like a lack of eyesight."

The operation will be taking place during a day next week, commencing Oct. 12.

Clare explained how the sanctuary has a number of procedures occurring to help the seals in their care.

She added: "We have regular vet visits for procedures because we are a sanctuary not a zoo.

"We've got some bloods being taken, a dental procedure and an eye procedure for Jarvis!

"We're really grateful for all the funds that people have donated, we're quite overwhelmed by people's kindness and every little bit helps towards what could be a life-changing operation."

The fundraiser has already raised $16,575.