BC rescuers save severely entangled sea lion

On By Karl

Rescuers at the Vancouver Aquarium last week rescued a sea lion from what they say was one of the worst traps they’ve ever encountered.

The adult male California sea lion was first spotted at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on October 20 and was rescued last Tuesday.

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society says a gill net wrapped tightly around the animal’s mouth, neck and inside its mouth severely injured the animal and prevented it from eating.

“Just 48 hours after the first sighting, a plan was put in place to save the animal, whose health was rapidly deteriorating due to malnutrition and the severity of entanglement,” a news release about the rescue published Tuesday said.

VAMMR’s chief veterinarian, Dr. Martin Haulena first calmed the sea lion using a dart and then a drone tracked its movements so the team could approach it with a boat.

VAMMR says rescuers had to use surgical scissors to remove the mesh and the process took an hour and 15 minutes.

“Even for experienced rescuers, it was distressing to see the extent of this animal’s suffering. The mesh was so tight and buried so deep into her neck that her mouth was completely covered. The sea lion was unable to eat for what could have been weeks or even months. We knew we had to act quickly,” senior manager Lindsaye Akhurst said in the statement. “This was one of the most heartbreaking yet rewarding rescues I have ever been a part of.”

After the remains of the fishing catch were removed and the team gave the sea lion antibiotics and painkillers, it swam away and was later seen sitting on a rock, showing signs of recovery.

“We are very grateful that the coordination between VAMMR (Fisheries and Oceans Canada), BC Parks and Pearson College allowed us to intervene quickly and give this animal a chance,” Haulena said.

“Rescues like this highlight the ongoing marine debris problem. While we are grateful for this sea lion’s recovery, we must focus on stopping these entanglements from occurring in the first place. These complex operations require trained marine veterinary professionals, but prevention is the ultimate goal.”