At the end of May, oyster farmers came across a seal pup that desperately needed help in Denman Island, British Columbia.
After the team at Baynes Sound Oyster Co. called for wildlife support, the Marine Animal Response Society organized a medevac for the pup through Harbour Air. By June 1, she arrived safely at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society.
The aquarium staff named the seal pup Bayne after the oyster farmers who rescued her. According to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society, Bayne is their first female seal pup of 2026.
Harbor seals are among the most common marine mammals along coastlines in the United States and Canada.
Despite changing ocean temperatures related to climate change, human-related disturbances, and entanglement in fishing gear, harbor seal populations have remained stable, thanks to protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society explained that Bayne’s rescue was only possible “because of incredible community support like this.”
“It takes a village,” they emphasized.
Image via VA Marine Mammal Rescue Society
When the aquarium called the Baynes Sound Oyster Co. to thank them for their rescue, they had a follow-up request.
“During those conversations, we mentioned another challenge we were facing: finding foods that our newest sea otter patient would actually eat,” the aquarium posted to Instagram on June 2.
“Less than 12 hours later, they sent a cooler overflowing with fresh clams and crab.”
In the Instagram video, the sea otter in question — named Clamato — can be seen happily chomping down on a whole crab, slapping it on his stomach, and ripping it apart with his paws and teeth.
“Needless to say,” the aquarium wrote, “it was a huge hit.”
In a follow-up post on June 4, the aquarium provided more detail on the conditions of Bayne’s care.
“Bayne is what we call a lanugo pup, meaning she is still covered in the thick, blonde fur that is typically shed before birth,” the aquarium explained. “When harbor seal pups are born with their full lanugo coat, it often indicates that they were born prematurely.”
“Premature pups can have difficulty regulating their body temperature and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, so Bayne is being closely monitored by our animal care team as she settles into rehabilitation.”
They wrapped up their post by saying: “Welcome to the rescue center, Bayne! We’re rooting for you!”
Beneath the post, the comments section was filled with well wishes.
“Keep fighting, sweet girl — everyone has your back,” wrote one Instagram user.
“Does she know how much I love her?” another asked.
“Bayne, feel better soon!” one person cheered. “Grow big and strong!”
For those looking to support Bayne and Clamato — and the many other marine animals under their care — the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue invited people to visit their website.
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Header image via VA Marine Mammal Rescue Society
