Colonel, an adult male sea lion rescued near Qualicum Beach over Easter, died of his injuries on the weekend. Scans of Colonel revealed birdshot in his head and chest. (Image Credit: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society)
sad ending
Sea lion resuced from Qualicum Beach dies from bird shot-related injuries
Apr 13, 2026 | 9:44 AM
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QUALICUM BEACH — An adult male sea lion found injured in waters in Oceanside has died of his injuries.
Staff from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society, with support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, located and rescued Colonel on Monday, April 6 near Qualicum Beach after locals had seen him in distress for several days.
The Society noted Colonel was weak and “severely underweight” and put him into intensive care in a bid to stabilize him before further treatment.
However, the Society announced Sunday, April 12, Colonel had died of his injuries, which included bird shot in his head and chest, as well as issues with one of his shoulders.
