Seal sanctuary in Skegness hopeful future is looking brighter

"They love to show off," observed Natureland director Daisy Yeadon. "I think all the animals are pleased to see visitors back - and it's such a relief for us."

The past year has been a worrying time for the family running the much-loved seal sanctuary in Skegness, which has welcomed generations since opening in 1965.

As if the first lockdown in March last year, stopping their vital income from visitors, wasn't bad enough, the sea pump into the hospital broke down and they needed a new drainage system into the pool costing thousands.

During the lockdowns, the skeleton staff who were not on furlough struggled on to keep the animals fed and cared for - and welcome the orphaned seal pups from the North Sea into the hospital.

"We never wanted to be in the position where we had to turn a seal pup away, but it has been a very stressful time," said Daisy's brother Matt, who runs the sanctuary alongside her.

It costs around £40,000 a month to cover all the costs associated with feeding and caring for the animals and maintenance costs - and they couldn't have managed to survive without the support of the public.

Natureland was unable to secure the big Government funding granted to some bigger zoos - but smaller amounts from the Business Interruption fund and the furlough scheme has helped to keep them going.

"We also had a JustGiving page and Amazon wish list - and our regular visitors were really generous with donations," said Daisy.

In July last year Natureland launched a £25,000 appeal to fund the care of seal pups before their release back into the sea, costing £2,000 each.

Then just in time for reopening, they had a new star attraction to welcome visitors when Pixie the seal delivered her third pup.

Even the youngest members of the public joined in the fundraising and, in December last year, 10-year-old Cara Marshall was able to present Natureland with £650 after launching a Facebook page promoting her bandanas and facemask designs.

"People have been lovely," said Daisy. "Some of our supporters who usually donate online were ringing us up to ask how we were and it meant the world to us.

"There were some very worrying times but throughout it all we were honest with our staff - we are like a big family - and hopefully, now we are back open, we can pull through."

During the lockdown when staff were furloughed, family members helped out and they used the time to catch up on some maintenance jobs.

"Our keeper Simon Ashburn has been busy renovating the reptile house, giving it a lick of paint and adding some foliage to make it look more tropical," said Daisy.

"We also put netting over the penguins to protect them from an outbreak of bird flu.

"We've been doing our best to get ready for people returning without spending too much money.

"We'd love to update the sanctuary but we just don't have the money right now."

Customers last week were simply enjoying being able to get out again and visit the attraction.

The Standard caught up with Amy and James Taylor from Lancashire, who were on holiday at Southview Leisure Park in Skegness with their 13-month-old lockdown baby, Albert.

"I used to come here when I was a child and it's lovely to be able to bring Albert now," said Amy.

James added: "It feels a really said environment and we are just happy to support a smaller zoo like this because they haven't had a lot of government support and have been struggling without visitors."

Deanna Acton and Biagio Gallo of Coventry had brought along their three-month-old baby Aurora Ocean Gallo.

"It's lovely to see Natureland open and come along and support it."

HISTORY OF NATURELAND

Natureland was founded in 1965 by John Yeadon and opened by Princess Margaret. Two generations on, the attraction is still run by the Yeadon's family, with John's grandchildren Daisy and Matt at the helm.

Over the years, the sanctuary has often been featured on television.

In 1966/67, it featured in the BBC children's television programme Blue Peter and was visited by John Noakes.

There have also been some well publicised rescues. In 1981 Natureland rescued a walrus they named 'Wally', which had strayed from the animals' usual Arctic range.. Usually they are only seen around the Scottish islands.

In 2012 Natureland rescued a rare hooded seal, which had travelled to Lincolnshire all the way from Greenland.

A television series about the attraction ran on Estuary TV in 2015 and, two years later, BBC One ran a feature about Natureland on its Countryfile Winter Diaries.

Facilities at the seal sanctuary include a cafe/restaurant, gift shop, customer toilets and a small area for children to try their hand at activities including brass rubbing.

Natureland is situated on North Parade, next to the beach, and (subject to Covid-19 restrictions) is open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. There is a fee for entry.

Until May 17, only the outside areas are open to the public. Visitors can enjoy watching the resident seals in the main pool, see those recovering in the hospital and the rearing pool and watch the meerkats, penguins and goats.

The reptile house, butterfly house, aquarium and cafe will reopen on May 17.

* For updates and how to make a donation, visit the Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary Facebook page.