‘How is this possible?’ Sea lion is rescued from yard a mile from La Jolla Cove – San Diego Union-Tribune

A juvenile male sea lion from La Jolla Cove is undergoing a second rehabilitation at SeaWorld San Diego after a surprising incident that led to its discovery nearly a mile inland. The pup was found in the front yard of a residence on Massena Street, near La Jolla Country Club, on January 26th.

Unexpected Journey

Residents Kim Weiss and Alan London were alerted to the animal’s presence by their home security system at approximately 7:15 a.m. Initially believing they had an intruder, they discovered a gathering of people attempting to assist the sea lion. The pup had seemingly traversed through The Village and across Torrey Pines Road to reach the property, which is protected by a low stone wall.

A Concerning Condition

Neighbor Laura Spielman, experienced in animal rescue through her nonprofit Rosie Project and the San Diego Humane Society, arrived on the scene first. She assessed the sea lion and determined it required immediate attention, stating, “I wanted to get him to SeaWorld right away because, to be honest, I thought he was dying.” Remarkably, the pup willingly entered a dog crate, facilitating its transport to SeaWorld.

Did You Know? This sea lion pup had previously been rescued and released back into La Jolla Cove on January 15th, just eleven days before this second incident.

While the cause of the pup’s inland journey remains unclear, speculation that it was intentionally placed in the yard was dismissed, as no security breaches were recorded. SeaWorld reports receiving other sightings of the sea lion in the neighborhood.

Rehabilitation and Potential Causes

Upon arrival at SeaWorld, the pup was found to have lost 30% of its weight. Jeni Smith of the SeaWorld rescue team noted that such wanderings, while unusual, have occurred before. The team is currently providing care, and the pup is reportedly regaining weight and actively competing for food.

Expert Insight: The pup’s second need for rehabilitation suggests potential challenges with its initial reintroduction to the wild, highlighting the complexities of marine animal rescue and release programmes. The team’s decision to provide a second chance underscores the commitment to maximizing the animal’s chances of survival.

The team also tested for domoic acid, a neurotoxin present in algal blooms, but the results were negative. However, Smith indicated the possibility of in-utero exposure to the toxin.

What’s Next?

SeaWorld intends to return the pup to La Jolla Cove once it has fully recovered. However, We see possible the animal may require further observation or a more gradual reintroduction to ensure its long-term well-being. If similar incidents occur, SeaWorld could re-evaluate its release protocols. It is also possible that environmental factors, such as food scarcity or changing ocean conditions, could contribute to future instances of sea lions venturing inland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the sea lion get so far from the ocean?

The sea lion is thought to have wandered from La Jolla Cove through The Village and across Torrey Pines Road, likely during the nighttime or early morning. The exact route and motivation remain unknown.

What was the pup’s condition when it was found?

The pup had lost 30% of its weight and was assessed by a rescuer as appearing unwell. It was determined to need immediate care at SeaWorld.

Has the sea lion been exposed to toxins?

The pup tested negative for domoic acid upon arrival at SeaWorld, but it is possible it was exposed to the toxin before birth.

Considering the unusual circumstances of this rescue, what factors might contribute to marine animals venturing further inland in the future?