'Unfortunately there are some folks that just don't appreciate animals as much as some others': Vancouver Aquarium

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A sea lion rescued by the Vancouver Aquarium last week was shot in the face.

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre says the California sea lion was discovered last Friday afternoon on the beach at Spanish Banks. The facility says it was shot twice in its face — likely weeks ago — by someone with a small-calibre gun.

“The injuries he sustained at the hands of humans left him in pain and unable to forage on his own. We’re happy we can ease his suffering, but he has a long road to recovery ahead,” says Dr Martin Haulena head veterinarian at the Aquarium.

Workers at the rescue centre described the animal as emaciated, lethargic and not responsive to activity around him on the busy public beach.

As the animal was found on May 5th, the team named him Señor Cinco.

The bullets shattered his teeth, blinded his one eye and may have hit an optic nerve.

Haulena does not claim to know who shot the animal but does say there are some people who could do it legally.

“Some people involved in the aquaculture industry have permits to shoot sea lions and seals that are considered to be nuisance animals to them.”

He says there has been some debate in the fishing industry about what to do with animals like sea lions that have stolen fish from nets in the past.

Haulena says there is another group who could be at fault here, the downright cruel.

“Unfortunately there are some folks that just don’t appreciate animals as much as some others.”

He says leaving the sea lion to die was inhumane.

“The real big issue no matter what side of the fence you are on, for me is the animal welfare issue. It’s one thing to humanely put down an animal, it’s another thing to use an inappropriate method and have animals suffering for a long period of time. I just don’t think that is right at all.”