The Vancouver Aquarium has seen its first two seal pup rescues in what officials believe to be the beginning of a busy summer rescue season.
The first pup was rescued near Glendale Cove, which is located on the mainland across from the northeast tip of Vancouver Island. He was found to be underweight and dehydrated, and the remnants of his umbilical cord were still attached. Referred to by aquarium staff as Princeton, the pup was transported to the aquarium by way of Campbell River on May 28.
The other pup, who’s since been named Georgina, was seen dodging boats by the Vancouver Yacht Club. Her behaviour prompted concerned staffers to report the activity to the aquarium. Like Princeton, the female pup was malnourished and had parts of her umbilical cord still attached.
While both pups were legitimately in need of care, that’s not to suggest all pups spotted alone have been abandoned.
“This is the start of pupping season along our coast, so at this time of year, you’ll sometimes see newborn pups left to rest while their mothers forage for food,” said Lindsaye Akhurst, manager of the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre. “The mother will usually come back. We ask those who find a seal pup not to touch it and to keep their pets away. Call us, and we’ll assess the animal.”
Both pups have been named after Canadian cities to mark the nation’s 150th birthday. Georgina is small town in southern Ontario, located about 80 kilometres north of Toronto.
Aquarium staff remind members of the public to not approach stranded marine mammals. Instead, call the rescue centre at 604-258-7325.
