Advertisement

‘Hairy Pottery,’ 5 other rehabilitated seals released into wild: Vancouver Aquarium

Click to play video: 'Rehabilitated seals flop back into B.C. waters'
Rehabilitated seals flop back into B.C. waters
It's not just people who are heading home for the holidays. As Paul Johnson reports, a group of marine mammals are returning to their natural habitat following a lengthy recovery on land – Dec 9, 2022

On Friday, Hairy Pottery and his five harbour seal buddies returned to their natural habitat.

It’s the Vancouver Aquarium’s final release for rehabilitated and rescued sea mammals of the year, led by its Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.

While the seals vary in age, most are young, with some as young as 10 days old when rescued, according to the aquarium.

“All the seals we have released were triaged by Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre, then transferred to our centre for long-term rehabilitation and medical care,” said spokesperson Todd Hauptman.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“This care included rehydration, nutritional support, wound care, and medical treatments.”

Story continues below advertisement

On average, it takes around 70 days to rehabilitate the animals.

“Once the seals were stabilized and old enough, they are weaned onto solids and go through ‘fish school.’ After eating fish on their own, they are introduced to a larger pool with other seals, where they usually stay until they are ready for release.”

Along with Hairy Pottery, Turkish Washcloth, Sesame Snap, Black Tassel, Wakame and Bleached Brunette were swimming in the Pacific Ocean after being released in Porteau Cove along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

They are part of the 97 total rescued harbour seals for the year. The centre also rehabilitated a sea otter and two sea lions.

Anyone who spots a marine animal in distress is asked to contact the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre at 604-258-7325.

Click to play video: 'Putting ocean plastic pollution to good use'
Putting ocean plastic pollution to good use

Sponsored content

AdChoices