Staff and keepers at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary have come up with a unique way to reach their £1.3 million funding target by selling penguin paintings.

Squidge the Humboldt penguin was given a chance to put flipper to canvas as part of the sanctuary’s Fund Our Future campaign, which aims to raise the funds to redevelop four pools at the historic site.

The sanctuary, run by a leading conservation charity The Sea Life Trust, is auctioning the tuxedoed bird’s work with one painting already valued at over £1,000 following a bidding war.

The art sessions – which use non-toxic, animal-safe materials – form part of Squidge’s daily enrichment, encouraging natural behaviours and developing the animal’s natural curiosity.

Sharing clips of the art session on their TikTok (@cornishsealsanctuary), the caption read: “Our little artist Squidge is raising money for our new pool developments. Check out the link in our bio to place your bid on his artwork.”

The clip, viewed over 73,000 times and received over 10,000 likes, showed the plucky penguin dipping his feet in colourful paint trays, waddling back and forth to try out several new colours.

He continued to make tracks on his debut piece, creating a sea of colours and textures.

Despite having no fingers to sign a signature, the work was met with Squidge’s seal of approval – a stamp bearing his name.

Speaking about their star resident, Cornish Seal Sanctuary said on its website: “With more than 60 years already under our belts, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is embedded into the hearts of our local residents and guests alike.

“From grandparents who remember visiting as children, to the youngsters now coming through our doors for the first time, our work continues to inspire generations to care for and support our wild marine species.

“But, today, we need your help! To futureproof the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for generations to come, we’re now raising vital funds to redevelop our pools and remain world-leaders in seal conservation and care.

“And that’s where the Fund Our Future project comes in. This £1.3million fundraising campaign is all about securing the charity’s future, while placing world-class animal welfare at the centre of everything we do.”

The funding will go towards building a state-of-the-art filtration system, dramatically improving water quality and clarity for animals and guests alike.

It will also provide better access to pools for animal carers, a new, undercover viewing area with seating and education spaces and to exceed recommended standards in marine mammal care.

Humboldt penguins, which are typically found in Peru and Chile, are a vulnerable species with fewer than 10,000 pairs remaining in the wild.

Staff and keepers at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary have come up with a unique way to reach their £1.3 million funding target – by selling penguin paintings.

Squidge the Humboldt penguin was given the chance to put flipper to canvas as part of the sanctuary’s Fund Our Future campaign, which aims to raise the funds to redevelop four pools at the historic site.

The sanctuary, run by a leading conservation charity The Sea Life Trust, is auctioning the tuxedoed bird’s work with one painting already valued at over £1,000 following a bidding war.

The art sessions – which use non-toxic, animal safe materials – form part of Squidge’s daily enrichment, encouraging natural behaviours and developing the animal’s natural curiosity.

Sharing clips of the art session on their TikTok (@cornishsealsanctuary), the caption read: “Our little artist, Squidge is raising money for our new pool developments. Check out the link in our bio to place your bid on his art work.”

The clip, which has been viewed over 73,000 times and received over 10,000 likes, showed the plucky penguin dipping his feet in colourful paint trays, waddling back and forth to try out several new colours.

He continued to make tracks on his debut piece, creating a sea of colours and textures.

Despite having no fingers to sign a signature, the work was met with Squidge’s seal of approval – a stamp bearing his name.

Reacting to the clip one user said: “Awwwwwww literally happy feet.” [sic]

Another viewer said: “Ok I like it Picasso.”

“I would empty my bank account for this. then cry for days when it arrives,” said another user.

“I’ll take 50,” said one fan.

“He has no idea he’s a star,” added another follower.

“Pitter patter painting,” commented another person.

Speaking about their star resident, Cornish Seal Sanctuary said on its website: “With more than 60 years already under our belts, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is embedded into the hearts of our local residents and guests alike.

“From grandparents who remember visiting as children, to the youngsters now coming through our doors for the first time, our work continues to inspire generations to care for and support our wild marine species.

“But, today, we need your help! To futureproof the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for generations to come, we’re now raising vital funds to redevelop our pools and remain world-leaders in seal conservation and care.

“And that’s where the Fund Our Future project comes in. This £1.3million fundraising campaign is all about securing the charity’s future, while placing world-class animal welfare at the centre of everything we do.”

The funding will go towards building a state-of-the-art filtration system, dramatically improving water quality and clarity for animals and guests alike.

It will also provide better access to pools for animal carers, a new, undercover viewing area with seating and education spaces and to exceed recommended standards in marine mammal care.

Humboldt penguins, which are typically found in Peru and Chile, are a vulnerable species with fewer than 10,000 pairs remaining in the wild.

ENDS

EDITOR’S NOTE: Digital press must include a hyperlink to fundraising site in the body - https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/how-to-help/fund-our-future/