An adorable seal pup named Zeus has been rescued in White Rock

Thanks to a tip from a concerned member of the public, Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre has officially welcomed its first harbour seal pup of the 2025 season.

Zeus, described by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) as a “tiny male,” was discovered alone on the shores of White Rock during the evening of Tuesday, May 27.

VAMMR conducted a rapid response with its trained rescue team after being contacted by a member of the public. The team assessed the pup on-site and then transported him to the rescue centre for care.

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society

“This little pup is incredibly vulnerable,” said Lindsaye Akhurst, Senior Manager of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society, in a release.

“He came in hypothermic, hungry, and with remnants of his umbilical cord. Thanks to the quick call we received, our team was able to get him the urgent care he needed.”

The society added that Zeus was born prematurely and requires special care. He was still covered in white lanugo fur when he was found.

The harbour seal pup got its electrifying name through VAMMR’s Name a Seal program. Supporters have the opportunity to symbolically name a rescued pup while helping to fund their care.

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society

VAMMR adds that Zeus is the first of what may be a busy rescue season.

“The public is urged to be Seal Smart—a public awareness campaign by VAMMR reminding beachgoers to keep their distance from seal pups and to call trained professionals if they believe a pup is in distress,” the society added. “Most pups on beaches are not abandoned, but well-meaning interference can do more harm than good.”