The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre is caring for a new northern seal pup they have dubbed “Mo.”
Employees at Mowi salmon farm took action on Monday when they noticed Mo in distress, floating sideways and struggling to swim near the waters of Hardwicke Island.
“She’s dehydrated and severely underweight, which indicates she is failing to thrive after being weaned,” says Emily Johnson, assistant manager at the rescue centre, “but she’s feisty, which is a hopeful sign.”
The estimated seven-month-old pup was transported to Campbell River with the help of the DFO, then flown to Vancouver Monday evening.
She has since travelled over 200 kilometres to the rescue centre for intensive observation. She is being treated with subcutaneous fluids, gastric protectants and antibiotics.
Once her condition has stabilized, the veterinary team will do a more thorough physical exam in the next day or so.
They are optimistic about Mo’s recovery.