Archie, a male California sea lion injured by a crossbow bolt, was found Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, near a log boom in Powell River. He was transported to the 麻豆传媒映画Marine Mammal Rescue Centre for treatment. Photo courtesy 麻豆传媒映画Marine Mammal Rescue Centre
An emaciated California sea lion shot with a crossbow was likely suffering for weeks before being rescued near Powell River, says the head veterinarian at the 麻豆传媒映画Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.
Dr. Martin Haulena said the sea lion was likely unable to hunt for food, worsening his condition.
鈥淚t鈥檚 heart-breaking to find an animal in this state; it鈥檚 unacceptable to be harming wildlife like this,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all very grateful to the community for their incredible efforts during this rescue鈥�
The older male sea lion, estimated to weigh 250 kilograms, was spotted with 鈥渉orrific injuries鈥� on a log boom Tuesday by mill workers with Jepson Mobile Booming near Powell near.
A team from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the 麻豆传媒映画Aquarium, with help from community members, rescued the sea lion, which was taken to Vancouver.
The animal has a massive puncture wound and is severely dehydrated and underweight as a result of the bolt. He is being treated with antibiotics, fluids and pain medication to treat the puncture wound. Abnormalities with his eyes suggest in the past he suffered gunshot wounds, said the centre.
The sea lion was named Archie as a tribute to boat operator Archie Kenmuir of Jepson Mobile Booming. The rescue centre said the Jepson team was instrumental in helping to sedate and remove the sea lion from the log booms.
鈥淚t was truly an epic rescue,鈥� said Emily Johnson, assistant manager of the rescue centre.
鈥淭here is no other way to describe it,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he co-ordination and community effort to help this animal was amazing.鈥�
Kenmuir manoeuvred the log bundle and rescue team to shore.
Archie is the third sea lion in just over two years be admitted to the rescue centre as a result of human-inflicted injuries.
A sea lion named Senor Cinco was rescued from Spanish Banks Beach Park in May 2017, while Ukee was rescued from the west coast of 麻豆传媒映画Island October 2018. Both had been shot in the head and blinded.
The 麻豆传媒映画Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Program rescues, rehabilitates, and releases hundreds of distressed marine mammals each year. This year, staff admitted 114 patients, including a hypothermic olive ridely sea turtle named Berni, rescued on Sept. 30 from a Port Alberni inlet.
