A harbour seal pup that was found entangled in fishing gear is now recovering thanks to the efforts of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society. The pup, named Annette by hospital staff, weighed only 18.2 kilograms upon arrival, which is approximately half the normal body weight of a healthy harbour seal her age, according to a statement from the rescue society.
Rescue and Recovery
Annette was discovered by members of the public who noticed the young seal struggling with fishing gear wrapped around her body. The rescue team quickly responded, carefully removing the entanglement and transporting her to the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre for medical evaluation and care.
Upon examination, veterinarians found that Annette was severely underweight and malnourished, likely due to her inability to hunt effectively while entangled. The fishing gear had restricted her movement and caused injuries that required immediate treatment.
Medical Treatment and Progress
Since arriving at the centre, Annette has been receiving round-the-clock care, including a specialized diet to help her regain weight and strength. She is also undergoing treatment for the wounds caused by the fishing gear. The rescue society reports that she is responding well to treatment and showing signs of improvement.
Staff at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre are optimistic about her recovery, noting that she has started eating on her own and gaining weight. They expect her to make a full recovery and be released back into the wild once she reaches a healthy weight and is deemed fit for survival.
Ongoing Threats to Marine Life
This incident highlights the ongoing threat that fishing gear and marine debris pose to wildlife. Harbour seals and other marine animals often become entangled in nets, lines, and other equipment, leading to injury, starvation, or death. The rescue society urges the public to report any entangled or distressed marine animals to authorities and to properly dispose of fishing gear to prevent such incidents.
