Steve and Terri arrived at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary on Wednesday 24 September, following a period of care at Five Sisters Zoo. Their arrival marks another exciting step in their ongoing partnership with Beaver Trust, supporting the conservation and reintroduction of beavers across mainland Britain.
A name with a special meaning
The names Steve and Terri Irwin have been chosen as a tribute to the lasting impact the late Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin have had on wildlife conservation and education around the world. Steve and Terri have been personal heroes and inspirations to many members of the team at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Their passion for wildlife, commitment to conservation and ability to inspire people to care about animals have left an enduring legacy.
The Sanctuary’s Property and Conservation Manager Sean Higgins said: “By naming our two new beavers Steve and Terri, we hope to honour that legacy and celebrate the values they championed: a deep respect for wildlife, a commitment to conservation and the belief that inspiring people to care can make a real difference.”
Supporting the return of beavers
Beavers are an important part of Britain’s natural environment. As a keystone species, their natural activities can help create and maintain wetland habitats, benefiting a wide range of other wildlife.
Sean continues, “Through our ongoing partnership with Beaver Trust, we are proud to play our part in supporting beaver conservation and the wider effort to reintroduce these remarkable animals to our special and unique landscape”
Steve and Terri were cared for by the teams at Five Sisters Zoo and Beaver Trust at the Zoo’s dedicated holding facility in West Caulder, with specialist veterinarian support from Dr Romain Pizzi. The Sanctuary would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in preparing them for their move and ensuring they arrived safely at their new home.
“We would like to thank Beaver Trust for their continued support, expertise and commitment to beaver conservation, and the Five Sisters Zoo team for the time, care and dedication they have given Steve and Terri. Their arrival is an exciting moment for everyone at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, and we look forward to getting to know their personalities and watching them settle into their new surroundings.” Sean said.
Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration at Beaver Trust, said: “These kits have both had very different journeys into captive care. The male arrived as an orphan, while the female was injured and unable to return to her family group. The move was made to pair them together for companionship while they continue to mature, with the hope that, when they are ready, they will establish themselves in a suitable wild release project.”
Sarah Pegg, General Manager at Cornish Seal Sanctuary, said: “It’s always an exciting time for everyone involved in supporting the reintroduction of beavers, each animal is unique and we are proud to play our part in providing a home and getting them ready for the next chapter of their journey. Steve and Terri have settled in well. They are now the 12th and 13th beavers to go through our project; I am really thankful for all the support from everyone involved.”
Keep an eye on the sanctuary’s social media channels for updates, photographs and more from Steve and Terri as they begin this new chapter in Cornwall.