Choose Your Favorite Marine Mammal Patient of 2023

Niko - California Sea Lion

Rescued: May 24, 2023
Released: June 29, 2023
Diagnosis: Malnutrition, leptospirosis 

Covered in sand, California sea lion Niko was starving, lethargic and had his flippers tucked against his belly when he was found. Luckily, a concerned beachgoer called our hotline to report this distressed sea lion. Once rescued and at our hospital, Niko immediately started drinking water. Marine mammals generally don’t need to drink water because they receive all the hydration they need from food sources. This behavior and his tucked flippers were signs that he was suffering from leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that affects the kidneys and can be fatal if left untreated. Leptospirosis is a serious disease that can also infect humans and dogs. What our scientists learn from treating patients like Niko helps us better understand what causes an outbreak, how we can improve treatment for infected animals and how to protect humans as well. Thanks to rehabilitative care that included fish meals, antibiotics, fluids and other supportive care, this young sea lion recovered. After about a month, Niko was released to his ocean home with a second chance at life.  

Brion - Northern Fur Seal

Rescued: October 18, 2023
Released: December 7, 2023
Diagnosis: Malnutrition, maternal separation, enteropathy  

Northern fur seal pup Brion was found on the beach malnourished and much too young to be on his own. This species rarely comes to shore except for when they are sick or injured. As an orphaned pup, Brion was lucky someone called our hotline alerting our trained experts of this young seal that needed help. After evaluating the scene, our response experts determined that this young pup was in need of medical attention, so they safely rescued and transported Brion to our hospital. Upon arrival, Brion was lethargic, but after weeks of hearty fish meals, he transformed from a weak pup to a bright fur seal swimming and grooming in his pen. In fact, he nearly doubled his weight while in care! After nearly two months, Brion received a clean bill of health and was released back to his ocean home with a second chance at life alongside other rehabilitated marine mammals.

Giant - Guadalupe Fur Seal

Rescued: January 29, 2023
Released: May 4, 2023
Diagnosis: Malnutrition, maternal separation

Found all alone, Guadalupe fur seal Giant did not live up to her name. You see, she was starving and weighed little more than what she would have as a newborn despite being much older. Fortunately for this orphaned pup, a concerned beachgoer called our response hotline. After our experts determined Giant needed medical attention, she was brought to our hospital where she was gently tube-fed “fish smoothies.” At first, animal care experts noted that she was less active than was typical for this species. But soon enough, Giant’s energy and strength returned, and she was observed enthusiastically swimming and grooming in the pool. She also transitioned to eating whole fish, a skill she would need to be released back to the wild. It took a few attempts of mouthing the fish before Giant had her “lightbulb” moment and learned to eat whole fish on her own. After about three months of care, Giant was granted a clean bill of health and released back to the wild with a second chance at life.

Hanai - Southern Sea Otter

Rescued: May 30, 2023
Released: August 4, 2023
Diagnosis: Malnutrition, abnormal behavior, Sarcocystis, toxoplasmosis

Found hauled out on a dock, southern sea otter Hanai was starving and in clear need of help. Southern sea otters are a threatened species, so the survival of each individual is critical to the future of the population. Luckily, Hanai was safely rescued and brought to our hospital for care. There, our animal care experts determined that not only was she malnourished, but she was also suffering from two potentially fatal conditions: toxoplasmosis, which can cause brain infections, and Sarcocystis, which can make it difficult for an animal to eat or breathe. With a specialized treatment plan that included a diet of seafood delicacies like shrimp, clam, squid and crab, Hanai began to regain her strength. After weeks of care, she was behaving like a healthy wild sea otter should, grooming and diving into the pool when approached by people. Hanai returned to her ocean home with a new lease on life. In fact, shortly after her release, she was spotted successfully foraging, grooming and resting in her old territory along the Central California coast.

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