Vancouver Aquarium gives its ‘seal of approval’ to house injured animal
Posted June 7, 2018 1:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A blind sea lion who was found shot in the head last year at Spanish Banks has moved into his new digs at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Billy Lasby is a sea lion trainer and says “Señor Cinco” spent the last year recovering at the Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) Centre, but because of his injuries, he can’t be released.
“In the wild, he wouldn’t have a chance at all. When we found him he was quite emaciated. So he was shot and there was a couple of weeks without sight before he found his way to the Marine Mammal Rescue site.”
Since coming to the aquarium, Lasby says the animal has become a favourite.
“He’s quite a character. He’s kind of gained a place in everyone’s heart at the MMR site, which is a rescue centre. Since coming here, he’s adjusting to his new digs. He’s swimming about and checking things out.”
Señor Cinco had been shot in the face using a small-caliber gun, likely several weeks before his stranding, which resulted in blindness in both eyes and broken teeth.
Together with fur seals, sea lions are collectively known as eared seals.
