Irving soon underwent an admit exam by our veterinarians, who noted the pup was about 10 months old and severely malnourished. At just 40 pounds, he weighed about half of what he should have at his age. A series of blood samples were taken during the exam for diagnostic testing to determine whether there were underlying ailments.

California sea lions typically stay with their mothers for the first year of their lives, so not only was Irving small, but he was also too young to be on his own. As a skinny pup learning to forage, Irving had a long road to recovery at our hospital. Fortunately, he was active and quite feisty, which are positive behavioral signs for a sea lion pup.

“We are hopeful that in the coming weeks with continued specialized care that this pup starts to make positive strides toward recovery and release,” said Lauren Campbell, Animal Husbandry Manager at the Center.

At first, Irving was cared for in our hospital’s Intensive Quarantine Unit before he was transferred to a rehabilitation pool pen. Our animal care experts gently tube-fed him “fish smoothies” twice a day to boost hydration and weight. Once Irving grew stronger, he was transitioned to whole fish. It’s critical that pups like Irving learn survival skills like catching and eating whole fish on their own before being released.

After about two months in care, Irving transformed from a skinny young pup to a sea lion ready for life in the wild. He was released with a second chance at life alongside another rehabilitated patient, California sea lion Jade.

It’s thanks to caring people like you that Irving received the best possible care for a second chance at life.