From a promising recovery of a severely injured seal and the release of her three-month-old pup, it’s a good story all around for the Vancouver Aquarium.
Over the summer the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre and the Vancouver Police Department Marine Unit rescued a harbour seal hit by a boat. Later named Donnelly, the MMRC found she suffered a large head wound -- and that she was pregnant.
While her prognosis was poor, the veterinary team performed surgery to repair her head injuries but they were unable to restore her sight.
Donnelly’s pup, Dory, was born July 20 and became the first-ever pup to be born at the rescue centre.
The aquarium has announced that Dory will be released in the coming days while the pup’s mother, who is now in stable condition, is transferred to the Vancouver Aquarium.
“Donnelly is an inspiration and a survivor. We are thrilled her care will continue at the Vancouver Aquarium where she will be an important ambassador for our rescue program,” said Marine Mammal Rescue Centre Manager Lindsaye Akhurst.
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