Sea lion in \u2018critical shape\u2019 rescued from Vancouver Island waterfront<\/p>\n
Published 1:15 pm Wednesday, April 8, 2026<\/p>\n
A California sea lion rescued from the Qualicum Beach waterfront on April 6 remains in a \u201cconcerning\u201d condition in care of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Animal Rescue Society.<\/p>\n
The male adult animal has \u201ca lot of puncture-like wounds\u201d on his ventral thorax, according to Martin Haulena, head veterinarian and executive director of the marine animal rescue society.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was given subcutaneous fluids. We start antibiotics if they\u2019re warranted, in his case with visible wounds and his condition we did go ahead and start those. We also started pain medication as well,\u201d Haulena added.<\/p>\n
The sea lion is \u201cextremely underweight\u201d, lethargic and unable to move much, but did take some food offered the evening he was brought in, however his appetite declined the next day.<\/p>\n
VAMMR received multiple calls from people who spotted the animal in rough shape. The animal was showing up off and on for a while, Haulena said, but on previous instances when the society went looking, they were unable to find him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very happy that he was around this time. But, of course, it also means that his condition has deteriorated quite a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sea lion has a cataract in one eye and a lot of \u201coral nasal discharge\u201d, and his injuries are \u201cvery suspicious for traumatic injury\u201d, Haulena said.<\/p>\n
Veterinarians will do a more complete general anesthetic diagnostic exam on Thursday, including an ultrasound, X-ray and blood work, Haulena added.<\/p>\n
California sea lions are prone to a particular type of cancer, but a quick look on the beach showed no sign of that, although the tests on Thursday will tell the veterinarians more.<\/p>\n
Since becoming a protected species, California sea lions have increased in numbers and are at a stable population. The species has been assessed as \u201cnot at risk\u201d by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.<\/p>\n
They are born in California and do not breed in Canadian waters, but move up an down the coast from Mexico all the way to Alaska.<\/p>\n