WINNIPEG – The Assiniboine Park Zoo welcomed two new rescued harbour seals from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Center (MMR).

The new tenants are Cetus and Camrose, both are male, have completed the standard 30-day quarantine and joined the Zoo’s other seals in the Journey to Churchill.

“Along with other northern species, the seals in Journey to Churchill help tell an important part of the climate change story and the connection between the land, wildlife, and people of the north,” Johanna Soto, Curator, Animal Care, Assiniboine Park Zoo. “We are very excited to welcome Cetus and Camrose to the Zoo.”

Cetus and Camrose were rescued when they were less than one week old and were deemed non-releasable due to health issues that severely restrict their ability to hunt and care for themselves and survive in the wild. They lived and received rehabilitative care at the MMR for 11 months before being transferred to the Assiniboine Park Zoo in June. The Zoo’s experienced veterinary team will monitor and provide long-term care for the seals’ health needs.

Seals were welcomed to Assiniboine Park Zoo for the first time in July 2014 with the opening of the Journey to Churchill exhibit. With the addition of Cetus and Camrose, the Zoo is now home to seven harbour seals, all males.

Visitors to the Zoo will find Cetus and Camrose in the Gateway to the Arctic seal habitat within Journey to Churchill.

PHOTO Laura Cabak Courtesy of Assiniboine Park Conservancy