This rescued sea otter has been named Corky for the way he was floating at the surface when he was found. Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre staff, together with officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, rescued the badly injured adult male sea otter near Vargas Island (north of Tofino) on Thursday.
The Aquarium’s head veterinarian, Dr. Martin Haulena, says when Corky was found, he appeared very bloated and unable to dive. Later, at the Rescue Centre, the veterinary team found the sea otter had extensive subcutaneous emphysema, or air trapped in the layer under his skin. Dr. Haulena says, “Our initial diagnostics indicate blunt force trauma, possibly from a boat strike, that fractured the rib and led to the collapse of a lung.”
The sea otter is currently receiving supportive care, regular meals and pain management at the Rescue Centre. Dr. Haulena says everything is being done to ensure he has the best chance for a successful rehabilitation for the eventual release back into local waters. As with all marine mammals saved by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, any eventual decision about Corky’s release will be made by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. #VArescue
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