Rehabilitation

The Marine Mammal Rescue Centre is a hospital for sick, injured, or orphaned marine mammals. Throughout an animal's rehabilitation, a healthy, low-stress environment is essential to keep them true to their "wild" nature.

Quarantine & Assessment

Upon arrival, our veterinary staff give each animal a thorough physical examination and observe its behaviour. They estimate its age using tooth size and fur type as markers and draw a blood sample for laboratory analysis. They use the results of these assessments to determine a course of treatment. After the examination is complete, each animal receives a tailored treatment and feeding protocol.

 

Each new arrival is also placed under quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. This is imperative to prevent disease transmission and ensures the success of our rescue program.

Feeding & Observations

We feed first to rehydrate new patients, then administer a feeding regimen tailored to each one's specific condition. Seal pup patients are fed a specially designed formula that is high in calories and nutrients. Older animals admitted, are offered high quality fish after their initial rehydration. We carefully monitor the diet of all animals in our care.
 

Wild animals are adapted to mask any signs of weakness and disease, since this makes them more susceptible to predators. Sometimes animals will exhibit very few outward signs of illness until their condition is quite progressed. Staff and volunteers are trained to perform regular daily observations.

Cleaning & Care

Cleaning the animals, facilities and equipment is an important part of our daily duties. Staff and volunteers spend a good portion of their day ensuring that all areas of the centre are spotless.
 

Each animal receives qualified veterinary care. After the initial assessment, it follows an individual treatment regimen specific to its needs. We closely monitor the animal's condition throughout its stay, and the veterinary team performs surgeries or other procedures as needed.

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