Poppy is a model patient and has is flying through fish school and loving her swims!
Poppy
Patient Record
Species: Harbour Seal
Patient ID: PV2403
Admitted on: 2024/06/01
Collection Site: Port Hardy, BC
Reason for Admission: Maternal separation; Underweight; Dehydrated
Weight at Admission: 5.85 kg
Patient Status: in care
Time in Care: 36 days (1 month, 5 days)
Current Habitat: Urchin Pool
Patients that have already demonstrated that they can eat fish on their own are placed in a pool where they can learn how to compete with other animals. This is one of the smaller pools with a haul-out platform in the centre. It can only fit a few animals and is a good starting point for patients that have never been housed with another seal.
Transfer History
Received from: (Direct to MMR)
Mode of Transport: Pacific Coastal Airlines
Story
The young pup was first noticed on a beach in Port Hardy by a mother and son who suspected she might be in trouble. After calling our hotline, waiting 24 hours to see if mom would come back, and following an assessment of her health from photos, the decision was made to rescue the pup. Thanks to efforts from the Marine Education and Research Society (@mersociety) and Pacific Coastal Airlines, the pup was transported to our Rescue Centre.
Patient Progress
Fish School Poppy is now in fish school. She is currently learning how to eat fish on her own. All pups are initially hand-fed, but later fish is just thrown into their tub to give them an opportunity to dive for, grab and swallow the fish whole, head first. It's something all pups need to learn, and it requires quite some skill. Eventually, Poppy will eat entirely on her own at which point she will graduate from fish school.
Hi! Happy to see you were rescued and brought to VAMMRC where you will get the very best care. I hope you have been getting better and stronger every day! Sending love, prayers and healthy vibes to you. You are brave!