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Preemie seal pup a cutie

An abandoned preemie seal pup is being cared for by the Vancouver Aquarium.

The adorable pup, nicknamed Emerald, still had parts of its umbilical cord attached when it was found on Anvil Island in Howe Sound.

It was brought to the aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre on Wednesday.

Staff were cautious about the rescue, as pups' mothers are often hunting and will return.

"We ask those who find a seal pup not to touch it and to keep their pets away. Call us, we'll assess the animal, then decide if a rescue is needed," Lindsaye Akhurst said.

The pup is being fed formula five times a day and weighs just 6.8 kilograms.

If you spot an ocean animal in distress, call 604-258-7325 (SEAL) for assistance from the rescue centre.

– with files from CTV Vancouver



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