April 21, 2020 3.11 pm This story is over 47 months old

Oldest resident seal dies at Skegness sanctuary

Franny will be greatly missed
The sanctuary's oldest resident, Franny, died at the age of 40. Photo: Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary

A seal sanctuary in Skegness has paid tribute to its oldest resident after she died at the age of 40.

Franny was one of the most well-known faces at Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary on North Parade until she sadly passed away on Friday afternoon. The sanctuary said she was alert and calm until her final minutes and was surrounded by keepers and management.

Franny was also the first seal to be born at Natureland on June 27, 1979 to her mother Twinny and father Fred.

She became a permanent resident at Natureland and settled in quickly, making a lasting impact on the sanctuary’s team.

Franny will be greatly missed. Photo: Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary

In a tribute on Facebook, the sanctuary said: “Franny had a happy and comfortable life in the Resident Pool, enough so to successfully raise 12 pups of her own, including a set of twins.

“All of these pups were successfully released back into the wild, helping to try and maintain the population of harbour seals around the UK.

“During her more recent years, Franny lost vision in her left eye, however this never dampened her cheerful spirit. She would continue to participate in feeding times, and only towards her final few days did her appetite fade.

Photo: Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary

“Franny’s passing was quick and peaceful. She was not displaying any signs of discomfort until Friday morning, and was still alert and calm until her final minutes. She was surrounded by keepers and management, who kept her calm as she passed away.

“Franny will be greatly missed by all of us here at Natureland, and I am sure many of you will miss her too.”