Featured Image Credit: Vancouver Aquarium
By: Sarah Sharkey
Late last month, the Vancouver Aquarium rescued its first seal pup of 2018. The young pup was born prematurely. She weighed only 6.8 kgs when she was found and still had parts of her umbilical cord attached. She was in desperate need of nutrition at the time of her rescue.
The pup was named Emerald, after the birthstone for May.
According to Lindsay Akhurst, the manager of the rescue center, “This is the start of pupping season along our coast, so at this time of year, you’ll sometimes see newborn pups left to rest while their mothers forage for food. The mother will usually come back. We ask those who find a seal pup not to touch it and to keep their pets away. Call us, we’ll assess the animal, then decide if a rescue is needed.”
In Emerald’s case, the rescue was deemed necessary because there were no adult seals in the area. The decision was aided by the fact that the pup was in critical condition and needed immediate attention.
Rescues are more difficult with premature pups because their weight is just so low. It is hoped that Emerald will make a full recovery in the near future.
Emerald was the first pup of the season, but it is likely that the aquarium will rescue over a hundred more over the course of the season.
Learn more from our source.