Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society’s first two rescued harbour seal pups of the season have been returned to the wild. The seals, named Sdlaana and Jimmy Two-Shoes by rescuers, were found as abandoned pups on B.C.’s north coast back in May and were released last week in Haida Gwaii, according to a statement shared by the society Wednesday. Sdlaana, whose name means “survivor” in the Haida language, was found alone beneath a BC Ferries ramp in Skidegate. He arrived at the rescue centre in Vancouver on May 19 in “critical condition,” weighing only 7.7 kilograms and looking “emaciated,” VAMMR said. At the time he was found, Sdlaana was believed to be less than five days old, according to rescuers, who thanked trained local volunteers, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Pacific Coastal Airlines for their help in getting the pup to the Vancouver facility for treatment. By the time he was released, Sdlaana weighed 25.1 kilograms, the society said. Jimmy Two-Shoes had a similar story. He was rescued “near a breakwater in the Prince Rupert area after being observed alone for several days,” according to VAMMR. The pup was admitted to the rescue centre on May 29, and weighed 8.4 kilograms at the time. By the time he was cleared for release, he weighed 22 pounds. VAMMR did not explain the origin of his name in its statement, but the society’s website confirms the pup was named by a VAMMR supporter after the Canadian cartoon character. “The successful return of Sdlaana and Jimmy Two-Shoes reflects the network of people involved in marine mammal response across British Columbia, from community members who first report animals in distress to DFO and Marine Mammal Response Program, transportation partners, trained volunteers and donors who support VAMMR’s rescue and rehabilitation work,” the society said in its statement. Before harbour seals are cleared for release, they are assessed by VAMMR’s veterinary and animal care teams to determine whether they can survive in the wild, according to the society. Harbour seal pup season is still underway, and members of the public may encounter pups resting alone on shore, VAMMR said, reminding people to keep their distance, keep pets away and never attempt to move, feed or return a pup to the water. Anyone who spots a seal pup that appears sick, injured or abandoned should call the DFO’s observe, record report marine mammal incident hotline at 1-800-465-4336 or the VAMMR hotline at 604-258-7325. Despite having Vancouver Aquarium in its name, VAMMR is an independent entity and a registered charity.
