The Vancouver Aquarium released 10 rescued and rehabilitated harbour seals on Wednesday near Deep Cove.
The seals – which had become stranded when they were pups – are just a fraction of the more than 80 seals that are cared for at the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre in Vancouver.
Although newborn harbour seals are the most common patients at the rescue centre – which is run by the aquarium – the centre has cared for elephant seals, sea otters, porpoises, sea turtles and killer whales. This year they have rescued 145 seals.
While preparing to release the months-old seals, Dr. Martin Haulena, the staff veterinarian at the aquarium, told media that this was when all the hard-work done by staff finally pays off.
"Releasing these guys is fun and going through that process of taking really, really sick, injured marine animals through that process is certainly a feel-good operation," said Haulena.
Before releasing the seals, the staff has to ensure that the seals have gained enough weight, are able to actively forage and can compete against other seals, said Haulena, adding that the rehabilitation process provides valuable insight into the lives of the seals and other marine mammal issues.
