Jarvis is said to now be ‘bright and alert’
Jarvis, a 10-year-old common seal, who lives at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, Cornwall(Image: Jam Press/Cornish Seal Sanctuary)
A famous Cornish seal who lost his sight to cataracts is “bright and alert” after eye op funded by hundreds of fans – and a vet says donors have “changed his world beyond measure”. Jarvis, a 10-year-old common seal, suffered significant vision loss due to the condition and earlier this month, he underwent a specialist procedure to correct the problem.
The operation was made possible through a community fundraising campaign that garnered him admirers from across the nation.
Staff at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, where Jarvis lives, report that he is already displaying promising signs of recovery and is resting under the watchful eye of the sanctuary’s dedicated animal care team.
Tamara Cooper, curator at the sanctuary, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with how Jarvis has come through the procedure. He’s been bright, alert and slowly getting his appetite back, which are all fantastic signs.
“This operation simply wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support we’ve received from our community. Seeing Jarvis take this important step towards a better quality of life is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.”
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Jarvis during operation(Image: Jam Press/Cornish Seal Sanctuary)
The surgery was performed by Claudia Hartley, professor of veterinary ophthalmology at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh.
Vets from the International Zoo Veterinary Group oversaw Jarvis’s anaesthetic and his post-operative care plan.
Professor Hartley remarked: “Jarvis is a beautiful and very charming seal that I am lucky to have known for a few years. I am delighted that we were able to successfully remove the cataract in his right eye and his anaesthetic was smooth.
“He will take a couple of weeks to recover fully and the team looking after him are completely dedicated to him. Thank you to everyone that donated to his care, you have changed his world beyond measure.”
The sanctuary’s staff will monitor Jarvis closely throughout his recovery period, with follow-up appointments scheduled to assess his improvement.
Jarvis the seal(Image: Jam Press/Cornish Seal Sanctuary)
Sarah Pegg, general manager at the sanctuary, commented: “The support for Jarvis has been overwhelming from day one. Every donation, every share and every message of encouragement helped us reach this point.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who believed in Jarvis and helped make this life-changing treatment possible.”
While the fundraising goal has been achieved, the sanctuary has confirmed that any additional contributions will support Jarvis’s continuing aftercare, medication and rehabilitation.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, which operates under the SEA LIFE TRUST, has spent more than six decades rescuing and rehabilitating marine creatures.
The organisation provides permanent care for animals unable to return to their natural habitat, while rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife when feasible.
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