A large adult Stellar sea lion found on a Ucluelet beach with a bullet in his head -- and possibly blinded -- is being treated at Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.
The massive but emaciated male sea lion was reported lying on the shore, unresponsive -- triggering a rescue operation involving Aquarium staff, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Parks Canada, local volunteers -- as well as and a truck and crane from Windsor Plywood.
He's been dubbed Ukee, and he is the 2nd sea lion in the last year-and-a-half to be brought to the recovery centre after being shot.
An adult male California sea lion was picked up at Vancouver's Spanish Banks in May last year. While he survived, he could not have survived in the wild and is now living at the Aquarium.
Dr. Martin Haulena, head Aquarium veterinarian says shooting sea lions is unacceptable, and Ukee likely suffered for several weeks before washing up on the beach. He is between 8 and 10 years old, and weighs less than half what an adult male stellar sea lion can weight.
Examination found at least one bullet lodged in Ukee's skull, and it's believe he has been rendered blind, with no ability to forage for food. He is in critical condition, and if he survived, will likely become another resident of the aquarium.
While Ukee is still refusing food -- there is some encouraging news -- he took a dip in the pool provided for him over the weekend.