Rescued B.C. seal pups released back into the wild

Metronews.ca

Whitecaps players Kekuta Manneh and David Ousted helped release the rehabilitated marine mammals, which were named after them.

 

Courtesy Vancouver Aquarium

Eleven rescued seal pups are released into Burrard Inlet on Friday.

By: Thandi Fletcher Metro Published on Thu Sep 24 2015

Eleven seal pups were released back into the wild Friday after being rescued and rehabilitated at the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.

The harbour seal pups, many of which were sick, injured or orphaned before they were rescued over the summer, were released into Burrard Inlet from Cates Park in North Vancouver on Friday morning to the delight and collective "awws" of dozens of rescue workers and onlookers. 

Emily Johnson, manager of the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, said her heart swelled with pride seeing the seals make their way back into the sea Friday.

Courtesy Vancouver Aquarium

Staff at the Marine Mammal Rescue Center prepare to release 11 rehabilitated seal pups into Burrard Inlet on Friday.

She said each seal seemed to have its own unique personality, with some raring to go once the gates of their crates were opened, while others appeared to be less enthused.

“We have a couple that are a little more apprehensive,” she said with a laugh. “And then you have one that just totally doesn’t get it. It takes them a bit to get acclimated.”

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