SEA Life Scarborough is in mourning following the death of its oldest resident seal.

Harbour seal Bruno, who had lived at the Sea Life centre since 1989, died on Wednesday, at the age of 29.

Early post mortems indicate a combination of kidney problems and old age. In the wild, harbour seals live to between 25 and 30.

Head of animal care Lyndsey Crawford-Darwell said: “Bruno was a real character.

“Both the whole team and myself are very upset at his passing but are finding comfort knowing we gave him a wonderful home for 29 years.”

Crawford-Darwell continued: “Bruno developed a strong bond with one of our other residents, Mando, after he arrived. Mando was originally supposed to move to Sea Life Hunstanton, but when it came time to move him, Bruno was so determined not to have his best mate taken away he lay between us and Mando.

“They wanted to stay together so much Mando stayed with us and they spent the following years chasing each other round the pool. He leaves behind his other pool mates Pendle, Herbie and Ed who I’m sure will miss him as much as we will.”