'He's been suffering for quite some time': Rescued sea lion had gunshot wound in its head

The Vancouver AquariumMarine Mammal Rescue Centre faced one of its biggestrescue challenges last week:a massive sea lionsuffering from gunshot wounds was foundon the rocky shorelineof Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

A team of seven people from the rescue centre accompanied by staff from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada andcommunity volunteers worked to rescuethe animal namedUkee.

With help from a truck and crane from local company Windsor Plywood, they were able to loadthe sea lion onto a truck and bring it viaferry to Vancouver.

Martin Haulena, head veterinarian at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, said Ukee, an adult male Steller sea lion, is one of the largest animals admitted to the centre.

"He's about 300 to 350 kilos, but that's him as a very sick, emaciated animal. He should probably weigh another 200 to 250 kilos, at least," Haulenasaid.

"He is in such poor condition. The weight loss would have taken weeks or months. He's been suffering for quite some time."

Haulenasaid anx-ray revealed the animal had been shot at least once in the head. The team willdo a more complete examination under anesthetics over the next few days to see if there are other issues.

Gunshot wounds not uncommon

It's not the first time the centre has rescued a marine animal with gunshot wounds. In 2013, the centre rescued a sea otter named Walter near Tofino, blinded and riddled with dozens of birdshot pellets. Last year, it rescued a California sea lion namedSeor Cincofrom Vancouver's Spanish Banks, also blinded with gunshot wounds to the head.

"Unfortunately, we do see some gunshot animals with some frequency," Haulena said, adding he was unsure who could be the perpetrator.

He said gunshot wounds in large animals like sea lions often prolong suffering and anguish.

"The bullets don't kill. What they do is cause an incredible amount of suffering," he said. "That's just a horrible way to go."

He says if you do spot a marine mammal in distress, stay back and call the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre at 604-258-SEAL (7325), or the DFO hotline at 1-800-465-4336.

Prognosis uncertain

Although the aquarium's team has been administering antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and providing plenty of fluids for rehydration, Haulena saidhe is quite worried aboutUkee's prognosis.

Listen to MartinHaulena speak with All Points West host Robyn Burns:

Referring to SeorCinco, the California sea lion found on Vancouver'sSpanish Banks, Haulena said Ukeeis not responding to treatment as quickly.

"I do worry he has some permanent brain damage in addition to the ocular trauma. That's something we'll need to assess once he's stabilized," he said.

As for whether Ukee will be able to return to the wild,Haulenasaid they would have to see whether he has the ability to forage for food and avoid predators.

"If he's completely blind, that would not be conducive to that."

With files from All Points West