June 28, 2007

AQUARIUM'S MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE GEARS UP FOR BUSY SUMMER

Vancouver, BC: Vancouver Aquarium veterinarian Dr. Marty Haulena and the rehabilitation staff at the Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre treated over 15 orphaned harbour seal pups yesterday.

The Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue program has been providing care and rehabilitation to a variety of sick, injured or abandoned animals since 1960. Last year, the program released more than 40 harbour seals back into the wild. Other animals that have been treated in the past include a gray whale, sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, elephant seals and killer whales.

This year, seal pups have come from all over southern B.C., and even as far away as Prince Rupert, to be treated at the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre. Earlier this month, the centre received its first pup, Rocky, a harbour seal rescued in Port Moody by an off-duty Vancouver police officer.

If you see a seal, sea lion, or any other marine mammal that you think needs help, it is best to contact the Vancouver Aquarium experts at 604-258-SEAL with details before attempting to rescue it. Trained rescuers will assess the situation and determine whether intervention is necessary.

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For further information, please contact:

Brenda Jones

Manager, Public Relations

publicrelations@vanaqua.org