Ukee, the Steller sea lion rescued earlier this month from a rocky shoreline in Ucluelet after being shot, has sadly died.
The male sea lion was unresponsive and emaciated when he was discovered on the West Coast of Vancouver Island on Oct. 11. After a huge rescue effort, he was taken to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, in the Port of Vancouver, where the veterinary team confirmed he had been shot in the head, was blind because of his injuries, and had likely been suffering for several weeks.
On Thursday, after almost two weeks of critical care, the veterinary team at the rescue centre decided to humanely euthanize the animal.
In a Facebook post on Friday Martin Haulena, head veterinarian at the Vancouver Aquarium, explained Ukee wasn’t responding to treatment, and his condition had taken a significant downturn.
“At this point we had to evaluate his quality of life. Although we are disappointed we couldn’t return him to full health, we are glad we could end his suffering and make his final days more comfortable," Haulena says.
"I am so proud of the team for the incredible care they gave him."
https://www.facebook.com/vanaqua/photos/a.488362465799/10155586454230800/?type=3&theater
Ukee was the biggest animal ever admitted to the to the rescue centre. Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) are the world’s largest sea lion, with adult males reaching lengths of three metres and weighing up to 800 kilograms.
It took a super-sized team of personnel from the rescue centre, together with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Parks Canada, and local volunteers, to rescue him.
Under the Species at Risk Act, Steller sea lions are a Species of Special Concern in B.C.
In the post, The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre thanked everyone who shared their support and rallied behind Ukee.
https://www.facebook.com/vanaqua/videos/2192240644432976/?__xts__[0]=68.ARC3ah1v440aMOQyCGf7yt1sXIQGNE-FVcPEVGlJPV69KXpTxrmgqayhHZphm5A8Def0QL9CVl-eepMTQsNUMPnLJvBESC0fRIh7NnGM3I8mOzbHaj8LXg-65BOGcjCwJdre8wOSt1KXYeh1jyrHEo5O3z07rC56g-_QFIrU1eciEL80ZXiOnJXYaEjZ2PtJm7EUWMZ4YG6IRrQvsVOCg9IBx3UR1LfKPFpOJTg&__tn__=-R
The centre, a not-for-profit Ocean Wise initiative, is a hospital for sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals.
The rescue centre responds to stranded marine mammals and rehabilitates them for release back into their natural habitat.
If you see a marine mammal that you believe is in distress: stay back, keep people and pets away, and call 604-258-SEAL (7325), or the DFO hotline at 1-800-465-4336.
You can also support rescues like Ukee's in the future by donating to the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.
