Steller Sea Lion Disentanglement - Cowichan Bay, Dec 9

Sea lion disentanglements are rarely straightforward. Every response depends on timing, weather, resources, and coordination across many partners. This young female Steller sea lion was first reported on November 7, and what followed was nearly a month of waiting for sightings, surveying by boat and drone, responding, standing down, and trying again. With less than an hour of daylight light left on our final day of searching, we received the call that saved this sea lion’s life. She’d finally hauled out and we were able to successfully sedate and disentangle her. Rescues like this take patience, persistence, and an entire network of support. And every time, it’s worth it. This rescue would not have been possible without our partners at DFO, the CVWS Community Facebook Group, Cowichan Tribes, and the generous support of the Gordon and Patricia Gray Animal Welfare Foundation. #marinemammalrescue #stellersealion #disentanglement #rescue #sealion