What is the Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program?

The Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program cares for marine mammals found injured, ill, or abandoned until they can be returned to their natural habitats.

Why is the Aquarium involved with marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation?

Harbour Seal Photo by Jeff Vinnick

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is the premier marine mammal facility on the west coast of Canada, with expertise in marine mammal care.

The mission of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre includes the conservation of aquatic life through display and interpretation, education, research and direct action.

The research staff and facilities at the Aquarium, in association with local universities, organizations and other aquariums, ensure that expertise is accessible and that any information gained is used in ethical, relevant and constructive ways.

What animals does the program accept?

The program will accept any marine mammal. In the past, we have worked with harbour seals, Steller sea lions, northern fur seals, elephant seals, sea otters, orcas and some dolphin species. The Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program typically rescues about forty animals per year but has had up to 100 animals under its care in one year. In 2001, forty harbour seals were admitted.

Learn More

Visit the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program official website at www.vanaqua.org/mmrr/

Thank you for your interest!