The Vancouver Aquarium’s 15-year-old Stellar sea lion, Tag, died early yesterday after undergoing treatment for oral cancer.
The sea lion had suffered from oral and dental problems for 10 years before being diagnosed with cancer in the winter. He went through chemotherapy and laser surgery in the spring.
After animal care staff noticed abnormal bleeding in his mouth, aquarium staff vet Martin Haulena decided to perform surgery to assess how much the cancer had spread and to control some of the bleeding.
“Unfortunately … he didn’t do great under anesthesia,” Haulena said. “He did recover but he died about three or four hours after the completion of the procedure.”
Haulena said the death has had a “huge” impact on the aquarium community.
“He’s one of those regal, big, beautiful animals with a kind soul,” he said, breaking down into tears.
“I’ve been trying to explain (this) to my four-year-old daughter. Tag was her favourite. He was a major part of our world and very much loved.”
As to whether there will be a memorial service, Haulena said it’s too early to know.
“Most of us are just coming to terms with this. ... There’s certainly been a lot of talk and reminiscing,” he said.
“(Tag was) just one of those special creatures that was such a big privilege to work with.”
