SeaWorld Returns Sea Lions to Ocean on Earth Day

SAN DIEGO, CA: SeaWorld celebrated Earth Day on Friday by returning nine sea lions to their ocean home in a ceremony at Border Field State Park south of Imperial Beach.

The sea lions were among 365 marine animals rescued so far this year from San Diego County beaches — compared to 150 to 200 rescues made in a normal year. Found malnourished and dehydrated, the animals were successfully rehabilitated by animal care specialists and veterinarians at the park’s Animal Rescue Center.

"Because of El Niño and an ongoing 'unusual mortality event' with California sea lions, SeaWorld is continuing to see a higher-than-normal number of strandings on local beaches," said SeaWorld Spokeswoman Kat Marin. "Because the younger animals are finding it difficult to find food, they become emaciated. Their hydration comes from the fish they eat, so when they are malnourished, they also become dehydrated."

Sea lion pups, approximately 9 months old, are found emaciated, malnourished, dehydrated and extremely lethargic, according to Marin.

"Some are also suffering from hypothermia, hypoglycemia, pneumonia and other illnesses that vulnerable animals can be susceptible to when their immune systems become compromised," she said.

Upon their rescue, the average length of time for rehabilitative care is six to eight weeks. SeaWorld’s animal care specialists and veterinarians treat the animals with hydration, nutrition and, when necessary, antibiotics.

Once they are of good weight, free from any secondary infections and able to competitively forage for food, the animals are returned to the ocean in areas where there is a known source of prey, giving them a second chance at life.

Photos: Mike Aguilera/SeaWorld San Diego