Image Credit: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre
June 10, 2020 - 6:00 PM
The Vancouver Aquarium will open its rescue centre this season with the help of generous donors.
The centre was able to meet its emergency fundraising goal of $125,000, according to a recent Facebook post.
And not a moment too soon as harbour seal pup season is about to begin.
"In response to our urgent call for funding support, more than 1,500 donors – from Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, France, the UK and the USA – contributed over $157,000 in less than 48 hours enabling Canada’s only dedicated Marine Mammal Rescue facility to resume operations immediately," according to the centre's website.
The centre runs a rescue program as part of the aquarium's Ocean Wise initiative. It rescues and releases more than 150 mammals each year, according to the website. Each year, harbour seals are in need of rehab and now is the critical time that they need the centre's help, as it's a time where mothers and pups need to be closely bonded together, according to the website.
READ MORE: Vancouver Aquarium's closure due to COVID-19 could force permanent shut down
With the closure of the aquarium due to COVID-19, the rescue centre was in danger of disbanding its rescue operations during the harbour seal pup season, according to the website. But it's safe for now after reaching its fundraising mark.
Donors have the ability to name a seal pup. For every $1,000 donation, donors can name a seal and follow its journey at marine centre.
For more information, visit the centre's website.
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