Vancouver Aquarium Rescue Stories
Vancouver Aquarium
Now until November 6, 2012

This fall, discover some of the amazing and touching stories of rescue and survival from Vancouver Aquarium's family of rescued animals through Rescue Stories, an engaging new temporary exhibit presented during September 23 to November 6, 2011.

Daisy, the harbour porpoise, Schoona the green sea turtle, Da Vinci the harbour seal and many other animals each have a unique story based on some challenging commonalities – their rehabilitation and new lease on life is nothing short of miraculous. They were found stranded, in distress, rescued and fought to survive. After being treated, cared for – sometimes for several consecutive weeks – and rehabilitated by an incredibly dedicated team of staff and volunteers, they are now healthy and thriving animals.

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"For over 40 years, Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre has been one of Canada's leading animal rescue centres," explains Clint Wright, senior vice-president and general manager of the Vancouver Aquarium. "Each year, we rescue about 150 animals along B.C.'s vast coastline and the majority of them are rehabilitated and successfully returned to their natural habitats. For a very small number that would not have survived on their own in the wild, the Vancouver Aquarium is able to provide homes and long-term care."

During four new daily shows, visitors will learn about:

  • The miraculous story of Daisy, a harbour porpoise who was found traumatized, stranded and close to death at just four weeks old near Victoria.
  • Schoona, a green sea turtle who was near death when found trapped in chilly waters off of Schooner's Pass, near Prince Rupert.
  • Tanu, the youngest sea otter at the Aquarium who was found orphaned as a pup near the coast of Alaska.
  • Helen, Hanna, and Spinnaker, three Pacific white-sided dolphins rescued after having been found tangled in fixed fishing nets off the coast of Japan.

Interpretive staff will introduce these amazing animals to the public and highlight their dramatic rescue and incredible fight to beat the odds. Several other rescued animals, like the 17-foot anaconda rescued in Milwaukee, WI, will also be featured. Additional stories will be featured throughout our galleries providing inspiring details about each individual rescue.

At the B.C. Sugar Pool's underwater viewing area, visitors will learn about the dedication, perseverance and unwavering devotion of the hundreds of staff members and volunteers who care for our rescued marine animals at the Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre. "We rely on an incredible network of individuals that are always ready to help including our partners at Fisheries and Ocean Canada, the VPD Marine Unit, BC SPCA and other local rehabilitators, and companies such as Harbour Air, West Coast Air and Pacific Coastal airlines, which provide donated services to transport stranded animals to the Rescue Centre for critical and immediate care," adds Wright. "Our amazing team of staff and volunteers are spending countless hours, sometimes staying overnight, waist deep in the water to build a rapport and care for these animals."

Vancouver Aquarium's internationally recognized high standards in animal care have led to developing an important body of knowledge and expertise in animal rescues. "Our team has built a solid assessment protocol, a unique training foundation and a sought-after rehabilitation program that is now called upon by our international peers for counsel and collaboration," points out Wright. "We participate in local conservation efforts as well as in international rescue efforts and strive to contribute to the greater body of science in the hopes that more stranded animals will be rescued, rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitats."

If you see a stranded animal, please call the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre at 604.258.7325 for immediate assistance.

Visit the Vancouver Aquarium to experience Rescue Stories during September 23 to November 6, 2011: vanaqua.org/rescue-stories.

The Marine Mammal Rescue Centre
The Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre is a hospital for sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals. The Rescue Centre rescues abandoned mammals and rehabilitates them for release back into their natural habitat. Donate to the Rescue Centre at vanaqua.org/mmr.