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Wednesday 27 January 2016

Vancouver Aquarium - first two patients - a green sea turtle and a Guadalupe fur seal


Dear Cheryl,
The Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre team is incredibly busy right now, working to save the first two patients of the new year. These patients — a green sea turtle and a Guadalupe fur seal — are rarely seen in B.C. waters and likely ended up here on a warm El Niño current.
The Rescue Centre team, in collaboration with Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, rescued both animals from Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island in the past few days.
The male Guadalupe fur seal is in poor condition: very emaciated and dehydrated. He has been under intensive care and observation at the Rescue Centre and is being treated with subcutaneous fluids, gastric protectants and antibiotics. He is lethargic and has no interest in food, but is responsive and aware of his surroundings.
The sea turtle, whose sex is not yet determined, is hypothermic and has wounds on its carapace (shell). Admitted with a body temperature of just 11.2 degrees Celsius, the turtle is being slowly warmed to its normal body temperature of 20 degrees, and is receiving antibiotics, fluids and care for its injuries.
Both animals are species at risk, though not listed in Canada, since they do not typically range here. The green sea turtle is listed as endangered worldwide and the fur seal is a threatened species in the U.S. (its typical range is off the coast of Baja California).
Our team is using its extensive rescue and veterinary experience to try and save the lives of these animals that are far from their homes and you can help. To make a donation for their care, please click here.
https://secure2.convio.net/vamsc/site/Donation2;jsessionid=7AC578CCD513CE36337520FFFDF129EA.app202a?idb=911122858&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=2164&mfc_pref=T&2164.donation=form1&idb=0
To learn more about the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, please visit our website.
http://www.vanaqua.org/act/direct-action/marine-mammal-rescue
Dr.  Martin Haulena
Head Veterinarian
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre