Longtime Daily Otter readers will remember Wally, the sea otter who was rescued after he was found having been injured by gunshots and nursed back to health by friends at the Vancouver Aquarium. [Click here for our posts.] The aquarium announced yesterday that Wally has sadly passed away. They write:
We are saddened to share the news with you that Walter, the rescued sea otter, passed away in his sleep early this morning.
Walter, or "Wally" as he was affectionately known, was rescued from a Tofino shoreline on Oct. 19, 2013, by a team from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, with the help of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Veterinary staff discovered he had multiple injuries from gunshot, including blindness.
Estimated at 13 to 15 years old when injured, Wally was already an old otter when he was rescued. He was deemed non-releasable by DFO because of his blindness and ongoing health issues. For the past two years we have provided a permanent home for him. Wally won the hearts of employees, volunteers and visitors for his easygoing disposition.
Although Wally's injuries were inflicted by a human, his story shows there are others who will go above and beyond to care for animals in distress. He will continue to be an inspiration for a lot of people and a terrific example of the great work our rescue centre and animal care team does.