VAMMR Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre Patient Directory

Colonel Hansen

Patient Record

Nickname: Colonel

Species: California Sea Lion

Patient ID: ZC2602

Admitted on: 2026/04/06

Collection Site: Qualicum Beach

Reason for Admission: Emaciated, Lethargic

Weight at Admission: 150 kg

Patient Status: deceased

Date of Death: 2026/04/11

Time in Care: 5 days

Transfer History

Received from: (Direct to MMR)

Mode of Transport: BC Ferries

Story

Colonel Hansen (Colonel for short) was rescued after being seen on Qualicum Beach on and off for a few days. Thankfully, he remained in the same location for long enough for our team to respond and admit him to our facility. Colonel is in critical condition and will receive intensive care and undergo diagnostics over the next few days as we work to determine what’s going on.

Name

Named in honour of Canadian astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen who was aboard the Artemis II at the time of this patient's rescue.

Patient Updates

Colonel Hansen died on 2026/04/11 after 5 days in our care.

"We’re saddened to share that despite intensive care and treatment; Colonel succumbed to his injuries.During his procedure, radiographs revealed bird shot in his head and chest, as well as irregularities in his shoulder which may indicate an underlying disease process.Cases like Colonel’s are never easy, but they are important. Each patient helps us learn more, improving how we care for and protect marine mammals in the future.We are incredibly grateful to our supporters, whose ongoing commitment makes this work possible."

Colonel remains under critical care with ongoing close monitoring. He is receiving fluids and supportive medications as our team continues to assess his condition.

Guestbook for Colonel Hansen

  1. We just so happened to come across this sad guy yesterday and stayed to watch the rescue. Once you were in the kennel and started to wake up, you showed that you still had some fight in you. I sure hope it carries you through the coming days. It would be wonderful for you to be able to return to the wild. I have so many pictures and videos of you.

  2. Awe I am so happy to see that he is now in your care. We as local residents of the area, are so pleased to see this type of organization exist, and happy to know he is being treated. I was able to send some video of our dear Colonel and your team was so great at keeping me updated along the way to his capture. I am hopeful that he will be in our waters again very soon joining his seal family. Thank you again for all your dedication to our marine life.

  3. Be well soon as your health ailment is diagnosed, and you begin eating a good supply of fish provided by your caregivers at Stellar Pool. Once healthy again, may you return to the waters of Vancouver Island meet up with your parents, brothers, sisters and relatives that patrol the east coast, from Campbell River in the north to Victoria in the south.

  5. A big thank you to the DFO & the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Teams for all the love & care given to our dear Colonel, California Sea Lion rescued at Qualicum Beach.

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