Badly injured otter found near Tofino in Vancouver Aquarium’s care

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – An adult male sea otter that was found badly injured is now in the care of the Vancouver Aquarium.

It was taken to the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre on Thursday.

“We had a number of reports last week of a male sea otter in the ocean near Tofino, floating high in the water, appearing very bloated and unable to dive,” says head veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena.

The otter had extensive subcutaneous emphysema, which is air trapped in the layer under the skin.

“Based on our findings of a fractured rib and increased muscle enzymes on blood work, our initial diagnostics indicate blunt force trauma, possibly from a boat strike, that fractured the rib and led to the collapse of a lung,” says Haulena.

“The air trapped under the skin is actually a sign of healing, as it has moved from the thorax and is allowing the lung to expand again. The real problem for this guy was because of the excess air, he couldn’t dive or forage and would have starved.”

The otter has been named “Corky,” because of the way he was floating when found.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure he has the best chance for a successful rehabilitation for the eventual release back into local waters… Any eventual decision about Corky’s release will be made by Fisheries and Oceans Canada,” notes Haulena.

(Photos courtesy the Vancouver Aquarium)

'Corky,' a rescued sea otter in the Vancouver Aquarium's care 'Corky,' a rescued sea otter in the Vancouver Aquarium's care

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