A California sea lion rescued last week near Qualicum Beach has died, according to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society.
The adult male animal was taken into care on April 6 in rough shape and given subcutaneous fluids and antibiotics after he was found with puncture wounds, but died several days later.
Radiography found “bird shot” in the animal’s head and chest, as well as irregularities in his shoulder which may indicate an underlying disease process, the society said in a social media post.
“We’re saddened to share that despite intensive care and treatment; Colonel succumbed to his injuries,” VAMMRS said in the post. “Cases like Colonel’s are never easy, but they are important. Each patient helps us learn more, improving how we care for and protect marine mammals in the future.”
He was given the name Colonel after the Canadian astronaut Col. Jeremy Hansen who flew on the Artemis II mission.
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.
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