Though some hesitated to slide from the safety of their kennel, the Vancouver Aquarium managed to successfully release 10 rehabilitated harbour seals back into the wild yesterday at Deep Cove.
One by one, the seals — which were largely cared for by the aquarium after being abandoned in the wild or injured — were eased into their new home.
“The release is the fun part,” said Dr. Martin Haulena, Aquarium staff veterinarian.
“The recovery process is a unique opportunity to gain insight into not only the seals but about the environment.”
The release preluded the aquarium’s temporary exhibit Rescue Stories that opens today and runs to Nov. 6.
The exhibit features recovery tales of aquarium habitants such as Schoona the sea turtle, rescued from the hypothermic waters of Prince Rupert, and Daisy the porpoise, nursed to health from a mere 10 per cent chance of survival.
Aquarium general manager Clint Wright said many people do not know about the work of the rescue centre or that they can be contacted when sick animals are found.
“We put together this program so if people want to find out more, now they can,” he said.
The rescue centre is one of two on the West Coast that mainly sees harbour seals as its temporary guests and long-term residents.
But the centre has also welcomed porpoises, otters, turtles and even an anaconda.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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