A northern fur seal pup is in care at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, an Ocean Wise initiative, after employees of a salmon farming operation spotted her swimming irregularly in waters near Hardwicke Island on Monday.
The pup is estimated to be about seven months old.
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The seal pup “was observed unable to dive and floating sideways when employees at the Mowi salmon farm rescued her, alerted Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and transported her to Campbell River” reads a statement.
Named Mo by the Rescue Centre team, the pup was flown from Campbell River to Vancouver on a flight donated by Pacific Coastal Airlines.
“She’s a 2018 pup, but very small for her age,” said Emily Johnson, assistant manager at the Rescue Centre.
“She’s dehydrated and severely underweight, which indicates she is failing to thrive after being weaned, but she’s feisty, which is a hopeful sign”.
If you see a marine mammal that you believe is in distress, do not approach it and keep pets away. Please call the Fisheries and Oceans Hotline at 1-800-465-4336, or Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre at 604.258.SEAL (7325) for immediate assistance.
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