Seal pup rescued in Prince Rupert is recovering in Vancouver

A newborn seal pup found in distress in Prince Rupert, B.C., has been rescued and is now recovering at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society. The pup, nicknamed Jimmy TwoShoes, was found with its umbilical cord still attached and was reported to authorities after members of the public heard its cries at a local boat launch. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans said officers determined the mother was not nearby, so crews used a fishing net to collect the pup and placed it in a pet carrier for transport. The animal was flown first to Haida Gwaii and then on a chartered flight to Vancouver, where staff say it is doing well, swimming, and continuing to grow. Officials said the seal is currently in quarantine and will eventually be returned to Prince Rupert for release once it is strong enough. DFO also reminded the public not to assume a lone seal pup has been abandoned, since mothers often leave briefly to feed, and urged people to report concerns instead of intervening directly.