Harbour seal pupping season has arrived, and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMRS) is currently caring for a total of 67 seal pups. These youngsters are often brought in when they are just a few days old and require intense care and nurturing before they can be released back into the wild.

Upon their arrival at the facility, the pups begin with specialized hand-feeding. As they gain strength, they are gradually taught crucial survival skills such as swimming and fishing independently. Once they demonstrate proficiency in these skills, they are transitioned to larger pools where they can socialize and compete for food with other pups.

According to VAMMRS senior manager Lindsaye Akhurst, one of the significant issues contributing to the need for rehabilitation is human interference. She explained, “What we see on a lot of our local beaches is some of these pups come in and rest while mom goes out to forage, and maybe there’s some human interaction or interference and mom doesn’t come back.” Additionally, big tide changes can disorient the pups when they try to reunite with their mothers.

While the pups show curiosity toward humans, the team's primary objective is to foster their independence and survival instincts. Akhurst stated, “Once they’ve been here for a good two to three months, and they’re at a certain weight and health is great, then they’re ready to be released back into the wild.”

As the pups spend time at the facility, their routines change. Initially, they associate caregivers with food, but as they become accustomed to their surroundings and other seals, they begin to adopt natural behaviors. Akhurst remarked, “In the beginning, they’re quite curious, and they associate us with food. But as time goes on, their time with us decreases, but also their time with other seals increases, so they start picking up bad behaviors.” This process is beneficial for the pups, as it helps ensure they do not become habituated to human presence, making them excellent candidates for release.

This season, VAMMRS has chosen to give many of the pups uniquely Canadian names such as Timbit, Loonie, Toonie, and Canadian Bacon—who was rescued from Bowen Island. With the first two pups from this season set to return to their natural habitat later this week, the urgency to prepare them for independence is paramount.

For those interested in supporting this vital work, the organization welcomes community involvement. Akhurst encourages the public to visit their website, stating, “If you are looking at ways to support our facility and our animals, you can adopt a seal, name a seal. It’s a fun way to get engaged.”