Community Corner

Sea Lion Rescued by SeaWorld in Imperial Beach Was Returned to Ocean

The marine mammals were discovered malnourished and dehydrated on local beaches earlier this spring, according to SeaWorld.

Eight marine mammals rescued by SeaWorld San Diego, including a sea lion found with a fishing line wrapped around its neck, were returned to the ocean Thursday, officials at the theme park said.

Two elephant seals, two harbor seals and four sea lions, including one from Imperial Beach, were rehabilitated before they were put back in the water.

All eight were discovered malnourished and dehydrated on local beaches earlier this spring, according to SeaWorld.

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One of the harbor seals was found with its umbilical cord still attached. SeaWorld officials said when it became clear the mother wasn't coming back, they took the infant seal back to the park and fed it out of a bottle.

More than 175 ill, injured or stranded marine mammals have been rescued so far this year, a number that is above average but fewer than last year, according to SeaWorld.

Find out what's happening in Imperial Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Usually, about 70 percent of rescued marine mammals are able to return to the ocean.

—City News Service


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