Happy Ending for Sea Lion Pup Rescue by Mendocino Sheriffs

I always love a happy ending! This report of a sea lion pup rescue comes from the Mendocino County Sheriff’ office:

Sea Lion Lost

On 04-19-2015 at approximately 1:00 AM, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies were on routine patrol on Highway 1, just south of the town of Fort Bragg, California.

Sheriff’s Deputies observed a small animal moving slowly in the roadway and stopped to render aid.  Due to the darkness and the dense fog the animal was very difficult to see and would have certainly been struck by a vehicle if the deputies had not stopped.

Deputies discovered the small animal was a California Sea Lion pup about thirty inches in length, weighing approximately 20 pounds and had walked about a quarter mile from the ocean.  The sea lion pup had an orange tag attached to its front flipper and was extremely friendly with the deputies, rubbing against their legs for attention.

Sea Lion Pup Rescue-A Graduate of Marine Mammal Center 

Sheriff’s Deputies contacted the Marine Mammal Center, which is based out of Sausalito, California.  The Marine Mammal Center identified the sea lion pup from the flipper tag and stated that it had been released from their rehabilitation center, where it learned to interact with people.

Based on the information provided by the Sheriff’s Deputies, the Marine Mammal Center staff determined the sea lion pup’s health had remained stable since its release and it was not in any type of distress.  At the direction of the Marine Mammal Center, the Sheriff’s Deputies were asked to assist the sea lion pup back to the ocean.

A Happy Ending for All

The sea lion pup was grateful to receive a ride from the Sheriff’s Deputies and climbed into the rear of the patrol vehicle.  The sea lion pup was transported by the Sheriff’s Deputies and successfully released back to its natural habitat.

Do You Know What to Do?

When you find a marine mammal like this sea lion, a seal or any other marine mammal in distress – Call:(415) 289-7325 or SEAL!

Please report marine mammals that appear to be ill, abandoned or in danger. You’ll help The Marine Mammal Center provide a humane response to these animals by giving them a second chance at life and at the same time, help researchers with their ongoing studies.