Crime & Safety

Sheriff's Sergeant, Volunteers Help Rescue Sea Lion In Distress

The stranded female sea lion, later named after the sergeant's radio call sign, was diagnosed with pneumonia.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A California sea lion in distress on Bonny Doon Beach was rescued earlier this month thanks to help from a Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s sergeant and Marine Mammal Center volunteers. Sergeant Stefan Fish, whose radio call sign is “Sam Five,” helped the volunteers move the large animal off the beach using his ATV.

The sea lion, which was taken to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito for treatment, was aptly named Sam Five. She is an adult and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Follow her progress here.

The Marine Mammal Center issued a reminder to beachgoers who encounter a sea lion in distress.

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"If a seal or sea lion appears ill or injured, or you don’t see the mom nearby, please don’t try to intervene. Call the Center’s 24-hour rescue hotline at 415-289-SEAL (7325). The Center will monitor the animal for 24 hours or more, depending on the situation and, if necessary, trained volunteers and staff will rescue it safely."

Photos courtesy Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office

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