Latest news with #VAMMR
CTV News
30-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Vancouver rescue welcomes first seal pup of 2025
Rescued harbour seal pup Zeus is seen in this image handed out by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society. A tiny pup named Zeus is officially the first harbour seal rescued by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society in the 2025 season. A member of the public found the seal alone on the shores of White Rock Tuesday morning and called VAMMR, according to the organization, which deployed rescuers to the scene and brought the pup to the centre. Zeus was covered in white lanugo fur, which seals typically shed before birth, indicating he was born prematurely, VAMMR explained. 'This little pup is incredibly vulnerable,' said Lindsaye Akhurst, senior manager of VAMMR, in a media release Friday. 'He came in hypothermic, hungry and with remnants of his umbilical cord. Thanks to the quick call we received, our team was able to get him the urgent care he needed.' Zeus the seal Rescued harbour seal pup Zeus is seen in this image handed out by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society. The seal got his mythological moniker through a program that allows donors to name the rescued animal whose care they're funding. The rescue marks the start of the charity's season, which it says could be a busy one. VAMMR reminds the public to be 'seal smart' and keep their distance from pups, and call the organization if they believe one is in distress. Read more: What do I do if I see a seal pup on the beach? Vancouver rescue launches awareness campaign
Cision Canada
20-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Be Seal Smart This Summer: What to Do If You See a Seal on the Beach
VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) is pleased to launch a new public awareness video as part of its Be Seal Smart campaign, which helps the public respond appropriately when they encounter a lone seal pup on British Columbia beaches this summer. With harbour seal pupping season underway, members of the public may come across pups resting alone on shore. In most cases, the pup is not abandoned — but it's important to know how to respond in a way that protects both the animal and your own safety. The new video helps the public understand how to respond safely and responsibly when they encounter a seal pup. It comes down to three simple steps: Don't Touch Do not approach, pick up, feed or return the animal to the water. In Canada, it is against the law to disturb a marine mammal. Never attempt to rescue a marine mammal on your own. Stay Back Keep a safe distance from the animal. If the animal reacts to your presence, you're too close. Stay back and keep others and pets away as well. Use your camera's zoom if you're taking photos. If the animal is a seal pup, it may be resting while its mother is nearby in the water. Call and Report Call VAMMR's 24-hour hotline at 604-258-SEAL (7325) and provide details about the pup and your location. VAMMR responders can assess whether the pup needs help — so it's always better to report, even if you're unsure. To report a marine mammal disturbance, you can also contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada at 1-800-465-4336. VAMMR is 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. The Be Seal Smart video is available online, and the public is encouraged to watch and share it to help protect B.C.'s marine wildlife. The video can be found here. 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 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.
