After malnutrition was discovered as a Southern California beach was at the height of toxic algae blooms, the big day finally arrived for two California sea lion puppies to return to the ocean after malnutrition.
The shy puppy took about 15 minutes. We finally left the crate as the crowd watched enter the waters of Hermosa Beach.
The puppy named “Wren” and “Hue” was taken to Marine Mammal Center Los Angeles (MMCC) for treatment last month. Veterinarian experts said he was likely struggling to find food after weaning from his mother, Ren was rescued on May 16th in El Segundo.
Male puppies were treated with antibiotics to remove infection or inflammation after being found to have swelling on the left side of their jaw.
One of the two sea lions in California will return to the Pacific Ocean on June 24, 2025. (KTLA)
“After just over a month of care, Wren has doubled the weight and is ready to go back to his beach home,” an MMCC official said.
Hue was rescued in Malibu on May 20th. “Our veterinarian experts determined that she was malnourished and probably had biting wounds from a shark on either side of her breast,” MMCC said.
After a month of treatment, Hue was cured, gaining a “healthy amount of weight” and was ready to release, says MMCC.
This release comes weeks after diseased marine mammals affected by algae blooms have flooded the beaches in Southern California.
The MMCC responded to more than 550 sea lions and dolphins who washed sick or died land while being described as the worst domoic acid event recorded in Southern California.
Donations to MMCC can be made at marinemammalcare.org/donate by selecting a gift amount.
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