July 17, 2024
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Vancouver, BC – A second baby sea otter is in care at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR). Having two otter pups in care at the same time is a first in the organization’s 60 year plus history. The new arrival, a very tiny female northern sea otter weighing only 1.58 kg, was found with remnants of her umbilical cord still attached. The otter was found in the intertidal zone on Vargas Island, near Tofino, BC. The pup was vocalizing with no mother in sight.
The pup remains in critical condition and is being bottle-fed every 1.5 hours. This rescue follows closely on the heels of Tofino, another sea otter found in the Tofino area and taken into VAMMR's care on June 18.
"This rescue highlights the incredible teamwork and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and the local community," said VAMMR Executive Director Dr. Martin Haulena. "The survival of this tiny pup depends on the intensive, round-the-clock care we are providing, and we are committed to giving her the best chance at life."
The tiny sea otter is receiving fluids and being provided a specialized formula essential for sea otter pups, who depend entirely on their mothers for survival as they cannot swim, hunt, or regulate their body temperature on their own at this age. The pup is now under intensive, round-the-clock care from VAMMR's dedicated staff and volunteers. Her prognosis remains guarded.
“Caring for a second baby otter is a significant challenge, both logistically and financially. We rely on the generosity of the public to help us meet the growing costs of veterinary care, medications, and specialized food required for these vulnerable animals,” said VAMMR Senior Manager, Lindsaye Akhurst.
As the only rescue facility able to care for animals like Tofino and Luna, VAMMR is urging the public to support their efforts. Individuals can symbolically adopt either Tofino or Luna or donate at vammr.org to help cover the escalating expenses associated with the care of these otter pups.
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Photos and video here.
The VAMMR team is focused on the care of both sea otters so, on-site media visits are not permitted currently. As soon as that is possible, we will be in touch.
For more information:
Todd Hauptman, Communications Manager
Todd.Hauptman@vanaqua.org
604-376-2252
Background on rescue story
The newly rescued pup, named Luna, after being found on a crescent-shaped beach. The rescue was initiated after VAMMR received a call about an otter found in the intertidal zone on Vargas Island, near Tofino, BC. The pup was vocalizing with no mother in sight.
Among the people who discovered her was a former VAMMR volunteer experienced in the rehabilitation of former sea otter patient Hardy, who was rescued in 2017. Recognizing the urgency, the volunteer immediately contacted VAMMR. After monitoring the situation and coordinating with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, VAMMR determined the pup needed immediate rescue.
VAMMR's rescue team swiftly chartered a flight with SeaAir out of Richmond, while the citizens who found the pup hiked across the island and took a water taxi from Vargas Island to meet the VAMMR team in Tofino.
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.
About Vancouver Aquarium
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 is Humane Conservation Certified by American Humane.
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