During a recent walk around La Jolla I saw a group of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) hanging out on the rocks. I noticed something was wrong with one member of the group. I couldn’t see well from far so I decide to get a little bit closer.
As an animal lover and veterinarian, it was my obligation to take a look. Soon I found myself in a horrible situation. This adult California sea lion was struggling because with a rubber gasket around his neck. I knew he needed help right away, but sadly couldn’t do anything myself. It would be crazy to attempt to remove the gasket from around a grown sea lion’s neck without tools and the right professionals to help. An adult sea lion, especially in these conditions, can be really dangerous. Feeling helpless, I had the idea to call San Diego’s Sea World. They told me a team would come help this poor animal.
I also shared his picture on the internet and have been spreading the word. Like this animal, there are millions of sea animals that are suffering and dying every day as a result of mankind’s irresponsibility and the selfishness. I’ve seen many animals at the veterinary hospital that died or were extremely injured by garbage, like a sea turtle that died after eating a plastic bag. My hope is that moments like this will help us all think twice before throwing garbage on the beach or on the streets.
As for Sea World, they offered the following response to my call for help:
Hi Ana,
Thank you for the photo and reporting this animal. We have been monitoring this sea lion for about two months now. He comes and goes from multiple locations around that area. Every time we’ve attempted a rescue he has not been in a safe location for our team to attempt a rescue. In some instances, we’ve gotten reports on his location, but by the time we arrive he has gone back in the water due to getting scared off from multiple people attempting to take selfies and photos with him. If you see him again, please call the SeaWorld Rescue Hotline at 1-800-541-SEAL (7325) as soon as you can. The way this animal is entangled, it’s only a matter of time until it becomes in dire need. This animal is in desperate need of rescuing. So please spread the word on the information above so we can get this animal the help it needs!
Editor’s Note: To reach out to SeaWorld’s rescue hotline online, go here.
