Experts at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary believe Sheba is the oldest grey seal living in human care.
Sheba was found with a nasty infection in both eyes when she was rescued as a pup in Cornwall by Ken Jones in 1974.
Mr Jones and his wife, Mary, initially cared for Sheba and other seals at their home in St Agnes before they developed the purpose-built sanctuary at Gweek in 1975.Sheba, who was left partially sighted from her eye infection, has been living at the site ever since.She said female grey seals in human care can live to about 40 years, while male seals live to about 30 years.
"It's certainly a testament to the advancements in veterinary care and the specialised attention we provide for our animals here at the sanctuary."Sheba is a favourite among visitors and staff due to her playful personality and enjoyment of enrichment activities, such as playing with an orange squeaky ball, the charity said.
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