Parks Canada is heralding the heroics of a local woman who played a key role in saving a sea turtle’s life.
Comber the Green sea turtle continues to recover at the Vancouver Aquarium after being found washed up and hypothermic on Wickaninnish Beach in January.
Ucluelet local Liisa Nielsen reported the turtle to Parks Canada staff immediately upon discovering him while walking her dog Pearl along the beach and the Pacific Rim National Park’s resource management officer Jennifer Yakismishyn told the Westerly News that Nielsen’s quick reporting was vital to the turtle’s survival.
“Because the turtle was reported so quickly to Parks Canada staff, we were able to get to the animal right away, assess the situation, and coordinate with our partners to get the animal the specialised care it needed,” Yakismishyn said. “We are thrilled that the turtle continues to recover, and pleased to be part of that success.”
Yakismishyn hopes Comber’s experience serves as a valuable reminder to locals and visitors to always report their sightings within the Park to 250-726-3604.
“Immediate action can sometimes make a big difference in the survival of injured wildlife, and particularly rare species,” she said. “We would also like to remind people that it’s important not to touch the animal and give it some space as human contact can add to the animal’s stress and have a negative impact on the animal’s health.”