May 26, 2015 - Vancouver, British Columbia
On July 10, 2014, a pseudorca (false killer whale) calf was found stranded at Chesterman beach in Tofino, BC. Pseudorcas are rare in British Columbia, typically inhabiting warmer waters. Once it was determined that the pseudorca (later named Chester) would not survive without medical intervention, Fisheries and Oceans Canada issued a transport licence to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Program so that the animal could be moved to their rescue facility for urgent care.
Fisheries and Oceans convened a scientific panel of marine mammal experts from Canada and the United States. The panel has determined that Chester would not survive if released into the wild. This assessment is based on the animal’s age at stranding, his lack of social contact and foraging skills in the wild, and his extensive contact with humans.
The panel also advised that due to the very social nature of pseudorcas, Chester should be housed with other pseudorcas if possible. There are no suitable long-term housing options available within North America where Chester could co-habitate with another pseudorca. However, pseudorcas have been successfully housed with other dolphin species, including Pacific white-sided dolphins.
Since his rescue and very successful rehabilitation, Chester has been residing in a non-display pool at the Vancouver Aquarium while long-term options were reviewed. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has approved the long-term placement of Chester at the Vancouver Aquarium.
They are a non-profit conservation organization that meets the required care recommendations set out by the Canadian Council of Animal Care.
The head veterinarian for the Vancouver Aquarium, Dr. Martin Haulena, has submitted an integration and socialization plan that has been submitted to DFO.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for the conservation and protection of Canada’s marine resources, including marine mammals. We undertake this work through regulation, education, policies and management plans.
For more information:
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
