Gulf Islands Harbor Seal rescue update. Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre on Salt Spring Island, BC, a small wildlife and marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation centre, is experiencing high numbers of Harbor Seal pups in need of intervention. Island Wildlife is 1 of only 2 facilities permitted to conduct seal rescue and rehabilitation in Canada. Since June of this year, Island Wildlife has rescued 98 orphaned and injured seal pups. 35 pups have since been released and 50 are still on site in rehabilitation. The 11 year old facility consists of 24 isolation tubs and 7 fresh water pools ranging in size from 8 foot diameter to 18 foot. July brought the heaviest influx of animals totaling 65 for the month. June and July also brought a record number of prematurely born pups (indicated by full lanugo coats), totaling 30. Healthy birth weight in this region is 10 to 11 kg. The average weight for the rescued pups has been 7.2 kg. The lightest surviving pup was 4.5 kg. The centre’s rescue area covers the Northern and Southern Gulf Islands as well as the coast of Vancouver Island from north of Campbell River, down south to Victoria and and back up the southwest coast to Tofino. 65% of this years rescues took place in the Gulf Islands. 30% from Vancouver Island and 5% from misc. mainland locals such as the Jervis Inlet and Stewart, BC, 1,600 km. away. Rescues are executed through a well developed network of volunteers, drivers, pilots (helicopter and seaplane) and existing ferry routes. The husbandry and medical care is provided by 4 staff members and 9 onsite interns. The seal team is headed up by Marielle Bonnet. Jeff Lederman Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 250-537-0777 www.sealrescue.org iwncc@aol.com ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com