Vancouver rescue welcomes first seal pup of 2025

Rescued harbour seal pup Zeus is seen in this image handed out by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society.

A tiny pup named Zeus is officially the first harbour seal rescued by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society in the 2025 season.

A member of the public found the seal alone on the shores of White Rock Tuesday morning and called VAMMR, according to the organization, which deployed rescuers to the scene and brought the pup to the centre.

Zeus was covered in white lanugo fur, which seals typically shed before birth, indicating he was born prematurely, VAMMR explained.

“This little pup is incredibly vulnerable,” said Lindsaye Akhurst, senior manager of VAMMR, in a media release Friday. “He came in hypothermic, hungry and with remnants of his umbilical cord. Thanks to the quick call we received, our team was able to get him the urgent care he needed.”

The seal got his mythological moniker through a program that allows donors to name the rescued animal whose care they’re funding.

The rescue marks the start of the charity’s season, which it says could be a busy one. VAMMR reminds the public to be “seal smart” and keep their distance from pups, and call the organization if they believe one is in distress.

Read more: What do I do if I see a seal pup on the beach? Vancouver rescue launches awareness campaign