This is heartwarming.

This Northern Fur Seal was released back into the wild after being rehabilitated at the Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre in British Columbia (located on Salt Spring Island). The seal, which was rehabilitated after washing ashore, was rehydrated and released on a beach near Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The young seal looks almost surprised to be let go. At first he seems to be afraid to leave, but takes off full speed for the ocean as soon as he's confident.

Island Wildlife rescues seals all the time, in various conditions. While some seals require more serious attention, other less critical creatures get rehydrated and quickly released. You can see more images and videos, and learn more about the program, at sealrescue.org.

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