He has thrilled audiences young and old at the Vancouver Aquarium for 14 years, but now Tag the sea lion has been diagnosed with cancer.
Aquarium veterinarians said the cancer was spotted when a biopsy was done during treatment of Tag's ongoing dental problems.
The 640-kilogram Stellar sea lion has squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer that, in dogs, is known to spread to adjacent tissues.
Tag has already undergone laser therapy to remove as much of the cancer as possible and has started chemotherapy.
Aquarium vet Dr. Marty Haulena said more procedures will likely be required over the next year and it's hard to offer a prognosis for Tag, who came to the aquarium as a two-week-old pup.
"Our treatment plan has been developed with the help of some of the world's leading veterinary specialists, both locally and internationally,'' Haulena said.
"I can confidently say we are providing the very best possible care anywhere in the world for one of our most loved animals. The level of expertise, care, treatment and even expense is second to none.''
Haulena said Tag's large pool and sunning rocks have been closed off from the public so he can have a quiet recovery.
