February 21, 2026
Now Providing Long-term Care as Part of Coordinated International Rehoming Effort
Vancouver, B.C.- In collaboration with Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) and provincial partners, the Vancouver Aquarium has welcomed two 18-year-old female California sea lions, Holly and Maui, as part of a coordinated effort to provide accredited, long-term homes for animals previously located at Marineland in Ontario.
Following a carefully managed transition supported by the Aquarium's animal care and veterinary teams, Holly and Maui are now acclimating in the Vancouver Aquarium's BC Wild Coast outdoor gallery. Initially they will be in a separate pool within the habitat. The care team will determine the appropriate time to introduce them to Señor Cinco, the Aquarium's resident adult male California sea lion, supporting the natural behaviours of this social species.
“At 18 years old, Holly and Maui are mature animals, and our responsibility is to support their long-term health and quality of life,” said Mackenzie Neale, Director of Animal Care at Vancouver Aquarium. “Our team brings decades of experience working with sea lions, and we're committed to providing the highest standards of accredited care — from individualized wellness planning to daily enrichment that encourages natural behaviours.”
For more than 60 years, the Vancouver Aquarium has been a leader in marine animal rescue, rehabilitation, and research. Each year, the Aquarium rescues more than 150 marine animals — including seals, sea lions, sea otters, sea turtles, and small cetaceans such as harbour porpoises — with more than 80 percent successfully returned to the wild. Animals that cannot be released receive lifelong expert care at the aquarium.
“As one of our founding members, the Vancouver Aquarium exemplifies CAZA's commitment to advancing animal welfare, conservation, education, and research,” said Tina Maisonneuve, CAZA CEO. “We are grateful for their leadership in providing these two sea lions with an accredited and compassionate home.”
The Vancouver Aquarium invites the community to visit Holly and Maui and connect with the Aquarium's California sea lions firsthand. A portion of every admission and membership supports the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society, helping rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine animals along the B.C. coast.
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Todd Hauptman, Communications Manager
Todd.Hauptman@vanaqua.org, 604-376-2252
Questions about Marineland should be directed to CAZA at info@caza.ca.
Since opening in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected more than 50 million people from around the world to our oceans and inspired them to take action to address key threats. Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to hundreds of incredible species. The Vancouver Aquarium is a fully accredited member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), and is Humane Conservation Certified by American Humane.
About Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (“VAMMR”) runs Canada's only dedicated marine mammal rescue facility. Each year the team responds to over 300 marine animal emergencies, including the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured, or orphaned animals and the disentanglement of sea lions trapped by marine debris. Hundreds of marine mammals (from seals, sea lions, and sea otters to small cetaceans) have been given a second chance at life thanks to VAMMR.
VAMMR is an independent registered charity proud to be working in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium. Donations will go directly to VAMMR and help rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals in distress. You can provide your support by donating today at www.vammr.org.
