Wally, blind sea otter, dies in his sleep at Vancouver Aquarium

Walter, a blindsea otter who was a favourite at the Vancouver Aquarium, died in his sleep early Wednesday morning.

Wally, as he was affectionately known, was rescued nearTofino, B.C.in2013 after he had been shot multiple times in thehead and aflipper.

Staff at the aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre in Vancouverremoved several shotgun pelletsfrom Wally's head and bodyand partiallyamputated a hind flipper.

Estimated at 13 to 15 years old when injured, Wally was already an old otter when he was rescued. The aquarium said Wally's death was peaceful.

The Vancouver Aquarium said in a Facebook post that Wallywas deemed non-releasable by Fisheries and Oceans Canada because of his blindness and ongoing health issues.

"For the past two years we have provided a permanent home for him. Wally won the hearts of employees, volunteers and visitors for his easygoing disposition," the aquarium said.