June 19, 2024
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Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) responded to an orphaned female sea otter pup that was found by a member of the public in the Tofino area. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) asked VAMMR to step in and the young pup was brought to the rescue facility late last night.
The otter has received fluids and an initial physical exam. She is currently being provided a specialized formula which she is readily eating. The veterinary team is cautiously optimistic as her condition is stabilized. Sea otter pups rely on their mothers for survival because they cannot swim, hunt, or regulate their body temperature on their own. This pup is now receiving intensive, round-the-clock care from dedicated staff and volunteers at VAMMR's Rescue Centre.
"This pup is in critical condition and requires 24-hour care to ensure her survival,” said Head Veterinarian and Executive Director at VAMMR, Dr. Martin Haulena. “She has a long journey ahead, and our team is committed to providing the best possible care, but the costs of veterinary care, medications, and specialized food are substantial and continue to rise.”
VAMMR is encouraging the public to support the ongoing required care for the pup and other rescued marine mammals. The organization says that donations are urgently needed to cover the escalating expenses associated with the otter’s care. VAMMR is thrilled to share that all donations made before June 30, 2024, will be matched up to $25,000 by a generous anonymous donor, doubling the impact of each contribution.
“Community support is crucial for us to continue our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing marine mammals in need,” said VAMMR Senior Manager, Lindsaye Akhurst. “We are grateful for any assistance that can help us ensure this animals survival.
We also want to remind everyone that if you see a marine mammal in distress, never attempt the rescue on your own. Call the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) at 1-800-465-4336 or VAMMR at 604-258-SEAL (7325). To learn more about what to do, please visit www.vammr.org or visit their social channels @vammrs.
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Photos and videos here.
For more information:
Todd Hauptman, Communications Manager
Todd.Hauptman@vanaqua.org
604-376-2252
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.
Since opening in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected more than 40 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 Humane Conservation Certified by American Humane.
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