A juvenile northern fur seal pup, affectionately named Mo, was rushed to veterinary care after being rescued by Campbell River salmon farmers earlier this week.
On Monday, staff at Mowi salmon farm noticed the small seal pup swimming irregularly near their operation by Hardwicke Island. Apparently Mo was swimming sideways and was unable to dive under the water.
“Mo is a northern fur seal which is kind of unusual for us in BC because they are usually based in Alaska,” an Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre communications manager told Victoria Buzz.
The spokesperson also added that the incident was unusual because northern fur seals tend to stay off-shore.
Once staff at Mowi salmon farm spotted the pup, they pulled her out of the water and contacted the DFO, who then arranged transportation for Mo to be sent to the Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre in Vancouver.
Since then, Mo has been recovering at the marine mammal centre, though her progress has been inconsistent.
“Yesterday she was not doing great actually, she was kind of lethargic and not very interested in food and was pretty quiet,” the Rescue Centre communications manager told Victoria Buzz. “The vets want to wait and do further tests.”
According to the centre, Mo — who is only 7 months old — still requires more fluids before her road to recovery can start in earnest, but authorities are hopeful.
We wish you a speedy recovery, little Mo!
