A unique operation to save a Steller sea lion was carried out on Sakhalin: environmentalists had been trying to achieve this for over a decade.
The largest rookery of endangered Steller sea lions, located on the breakwater in Nevelsk, is home to the largest rookery. Up to 300 of these marine predators gather there each year. Three days ago, an animal was spotted there, entangled in a plastic band, the band tightly wrapped around its head.
This isn't the first such case, but this time, the publicity attracted regional authorities to the issue. For the first time, environmentalists received permission from Rosprirodnadzor to use remote anesthesia. The medications were provided by the regional Ministry of Health.
Rescue group "Friends of the Ocean" She approached the breakwater and fired a dart at the injured female Steller sea lion, who was named Ribbon.
"Under the strict supervision of veterinarians, the Steller sea lion was safely immobilized. Rescuers carefully removed the ring, which was causing the animal terrible suffering. Immediately afterward, they administered a reversal agent. The team remained in place until the animal fully recovered and returned to the water," told ecologists.
The next day, rescuers returned to the breakwater. They confirmed that the female was active and in good health. Veterinarian Maria Chistyaeva believes that Ribbon had been wearing the plastic ring since she was a cub.
"As the animal grows, the plastic becomes embedded in its flesh, causing severe injuries. If such a ring is not removed from a seal or Steller sea lion, it will inevitably die. Please, when you see a plastic ring from cans and bottles, ALWAYS CUT IT! This simple action saves lives," she added.
Environmentalists have been seeking permission to use anesthesia to free animals from plastic for over a decade. Vyacheslav Kozlov, head of the Friends of the Ocean response group, believes the success was achieved thanks to a public campaign and increased attention to the issue.
The experience gained was deemed successful and will be further utilized. Rosprirodnadzor confirmed that it is ready to issue permits for the use of the drugs for any number of animals in need.