VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – An emaciated and out-of-its-range Guadalupe fur seal is being treated at the Vancouver Aquarium after being rescued from a beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
The aquarium says the adult male seal was spotted Tuesday in Ucluelet by a research associate, who determined the animal was in distress and alerted Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada and the aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.
The seal swam away but was spotted again yesterday on a beach within the reserve, where it was rescued.
The Aquarium says the fur seal has been under intensive observation and treated with subcutaneous fluids, gastric protectants and antibiotics.
“He’s in poor condition, emaciated and dehydrated,” says Dr. Martin Haulena, head veterinarian at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. “Although he is very lethargic and has no interest in food at this time, he’s responsive and aware of his surroundings.”
The animal’s stranding in BC is of special interest because Guadalupe fur seals — usually found off the coast of California — are a threatened species in the US after being hunted almost to extinction.
Emaciated, out-of-range fur seal rescued, being treated at Vancouver Aquarium
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