Sea Lion Population Swells to 170 at The Marine Mammal Center

Photos: Color-coded sea lion pups at The Marine Mammal Center; Elementary school children view animals from the observation deck. Credit: Pat Wilson, The Marine Mammal Center

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The sea lion crisis along the California coast continues, with the number of rescued animals in 2015 topping 1,200, according to NOAA. The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito has taken in more than 400 sea lions since the beginning of the year.

• Previously on Patch: Sea Lion SOS: ‘Extremely Emaciated’ Baby Sea Lions Popping Up on Coast

On Friday, more than 170 sea lions were being treated, the most in the center’s 40-year history.

And the situation is likely to get worse. The past two years, the stranding of sea lion pups by their mothers peaked in March and April.

What’s going on? NOAA blames warmer water—the Pacific is 2 to 5 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year. According to the federal agency, the warmer water is making it harder for sea lions to get food. That’s prompting mothers to cast-off their pups to fend for themselves.

The Marine Mammal Center is the largest marine rehabilitation center in the world and has a policy of never turning away a patient. The center is training new volunteers to help. It is also accepting monetary donations to pay for the care of the sea lions.

The Marine Mammal Center rescues animals from north of Fort Bragg to south of San Luis Obispo and along the shoreline of San Francisco Bay. If you see an animal in distress, phone 415-289-SEAL.

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