"They're never still for a moment": Scarborough SEA LIFE Centre undertakes annual audit

The popular Yorkshire coast attraction, which has more than 2000 animals from over 200 species undertakes the audit each year to check on the health and wellbeing of the animals in its care.

From seal rehabilitation to jellyfish breeding, and with an engaging population of Humboldt penguins, the centre is always a hive of activity.

Curator Todd German said: “It’s always an enjoyable job counting all our animals, as it gives us time to simply watch and appreciate these amazing creatures.

“They don’t always make it easy for us, especially when trying to count a large shoal of fish—they’re never still for more than a moment! We often end up resorting to taking photographs and counting them from there.

“It’s also a great opportunity to reflect on some of the breeding successes we’ve had over the past year. With over 500 animals born at the centre, 2025 was another strong year.

“We continued to breed large numbers of jellyfish, which have gone on to support other jellyfish collections throughout the UK.

“Some of the most exciting and popular arrivals included two Humboldt penguin chicks and, for me personally, a short-tailed nurse shark—now unfortunately recognised as being critically endangered in the wild.

“It was a quieter year for our rehabilitation seals, with only a few common seals undergoing care with us.

“However, we continued our work rehabilitating sea turtles. The loggerhead turtle Tarquin arrived with us at the beginning of the year and was successfully released in the Azores in September.

“On the very same day as Tarquin’s release, we took another loggerhead turtle, Obi, into our care, who will hopefully be released in the coming year.

“I’m immensely proud of the hard work, passion, and dedication of the animal care team at the centre.

“Their commitment has been instrumental in providing an incredible level of care and giving these animals a second chance in the wild.”

Photographer Richard Ponter went along to see the count in action. Check out his incredible images here;