A California sea lion rescued from the Qualicum Beach waterfront on April 6 remains in a “concerning” condition in care of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Animal Rescue Society.
The male adult animal has “a lot of puncture-like wounds” on his ventral thorax, according to Martin Haulena, head veterinarian and executive director of the marine animal rescue society.
“He was given subcutaneous fluids. We start antibiotics if they’re warranted, in his case with visible wounds and his condition we did go ahead and start those. We also started pain medication as well,” Haulena added.
The sea lion is “extremely underweight”, 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.
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.
“We’re very happy that he was around this time. But, of course, it also means that his condition has deteriorated quite a bit.”
The sea lion has a cataract in one eye and a lot of “oral nasal discharge”, and his injuries are “very suspicious for traumatic injury”, Haulena said.
Veterinarians will do a more complete general anesthetic diagnostic exam on Thursday, including an ultrasound, X-ray and blood work, Haulena added.
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.
Since becoming a protected species, California sea lions have increased in numbers and are at a stable population. The species has been assessed as “not at risk” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
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.
RELATED: Parksville woman surprised to learn a cougar was under her trailer