Sea lion with hook in gut rescued by aquarium staff
Posted August 24, 2011 7:58 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
UCLUELET (NEWS1130) – A California sea lion found in distress near Ucluelet yesterday is recovering at a rescue centre thanks to staff at the Vancouver Aquarium.
The young adult was having trouble swimming when locals spotted a fishing flasher hanging from its cheek. Staff from the aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre were rushed to the Island and found the 200-kilogram animal emaciated, dehydrated, weak, and suffering from a deep wound on his back.
“When we arrived on site, we immediately knew he wasn’t in good shape,” said veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena in a statement.
Haulena realized a fishing hook was imbedded deep in the sea lion’s intestinal tract and took him to the rescue centre with the help of federal fisheries staff. They ran tests on Wednesday to figure out how best to remove it.
“Marine debris can cause severe harm to our sea animals,” said Haulena. “In this case, the sea lion may also have come close to the shore and boats looking for food. It is critical that passers-by don’t feed these animals, as they then associate humans with food and can get hurt by fishing gear.”
The sea lion is being stabilized in a fresh water pool, which allows him to drink and rehydrate, and is being treated with antibiotics.
He has been given a 50 per cent chance of survival.
