As the tide ebbs and flows, this young mammal struggles to survive.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNKNOWN VOICE OFFSCREEN SAYING:

"A lot of times when we see strandings, we see them lose the ability to keep themselves sternal, lose the ability to swim properly."

Veterinarians in western Canada are racing to help this so-called false killer whale.

They estimate the endangered mammal, which is actually a member of the dolphin family, to be just four to six weeks old.

False killer whales live in groups in tropical and temperate waters in the open ocean and are rarely seen along the Canadian coast.

At the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, they know it'll be a long-shot for the mammal's survival.

But with special infant formula, antibiotics and round-the-clock attention, they hope they can save the young calf before it's too late.