Just over a week ago, Whitecaps FC joined forces with Vancouver Aquarium to sell high-performance athletic face masks, with all net proceeds to benefit the beloved civic landmark during the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the overwhelming demand, operation has been expanded by commissioning numerous local businesses to produce the face masks. Whitecaps FC and the Vancouver Aquarium are thankful for those who have responded to the call, and are fully dedicated to filling all orders as soon as possible.
Even after dramatic cost cutting, expenses for animal care, food, facilities, and water quality management at the Vancouver Aquarium exceed $1 million a month. As there is still no indication when the aquarium can re-open, the public are urged to continue spreading the word about the Vancouver Aquarium's financial need.
It's his Aquarium birthday today and he misses his friends and visitors.
Señor Cinco is a blind sea lion who was rescued by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue team on May 5, 2017 on Spanish Banks beach.
He is one of 70,000 animals, a number of whom were rescued and given a second chance of life at the Vancouver Aquarium, who are being helped by funds raised from the Whitecaps FC x Vancouver Aquarium face masks initiative.
Señor Cinco was in poor condition when he was rescued, having been shot in the face with a small-caliber gun which resulted in blindness in both eyes and broken teeth. He had not been able to feed himself because of his injuries, and at the time of his rescue, was emaciated and too weak to move.
Since his rescue, Cinco has found his home at the Vancouver Aquarium where he is surrounded by other sea lions and beloved by visitors. Although he can’t see his care team, he responds to the sound of their voices and is known as a "gentle giant".
Learn more about the countless animals you are helping with the purchase of your face mask by visiting vanaqua.org.
Buy a face mask. Save the aquarium. Visit vanaquashop.org for details.
