SeaWorld San Diego Releases 4 Rescued Sea Lions Back Into Wild

SAN DIEGO — SeaWorld San Diego released four rescued California sea lions back into the wild Thursday after animal care staff spent several weeks rehabilitating the animals at the theme park.

The pups were found malnourished and dehydrated in December and January on various San Diego beaches. The animals received care at the theme park's Animal Health and Rescue Center.

After animal care staff medically cleared the sea lions – and they doubled their weights – the pups were returned to the ocean five miles off the coast of San Diego.

SeaWorld San Diego has rescued about 35 sea lions since the beginning of December, which is the unofficial start of the rescue season, according to spokesman David Koontz. He added that there's been a three-fold jump in the number of rescues expected for this time of year.

Although it's difficult to determine what's causing an increase in strandings, winter storms could impact the ability of young, inexperienced sea lions from successfully foraging for food, according to SeaWorld.

SeaWorld's three locations in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio have rescued more than 36,000 animals over the last 55 years.