In Photos: A rehabilitated porpoise returns to the sea
Vancouver Aquarium staff tend to Levi before releasing him back into the wild
Veterinary intern Chelsea Anderson splashes water on Levi, a young adult male harbour porpoise that was rescued after being found stranded on a rock on Saanich Inlet on Vancouver Island, at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre on March 27, 2013.Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press
Levi swims with the aide of a floating support at the rescue centre. He was a healthy weight when found but was unable to swim on his own.Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press
On Sept. 10, aquarium staff carry Levi, now rehabilitated, to a waiting boat in Vancouver.Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
Levi was to be released back into the wild following months of rehabilitation at the aquarium after he was found beached and suffering from muscle damage and a lung infection.Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
The boat makes its way to Saanich Inlet, B.C., while Levi is kept calm and moisturized.Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
After a two-hour boat ride that involved constant monitoring of Levi for signs of stress and keeping him moist with wet towels, staff entered the water with the animal.Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press
Levi is released into the waters off Saanich Inlet, where Vancouver Aquarium staff say goodbye.Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press