California sea lion Irving was stranded in San Francisco. Thanks to our partners and people like you, he was rescued and brought to our hospital. Irving is now receiving expert medical care needed to recover.

One of our trained responders at The Marine Mammal Center joined officers from the San Francisco Police Department and San Francisco Recreation & Parks rangers during the early morning hours of April 16, in responding to a California sea lion pup found out of habitat near 48th and Irving streets in San Francisco.

The young male pup, now named Irving, was safely corralled into a carrier crate, graciously provided by Ocean Avenue Animal Hospital, and transported to the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Ranger Station near Kezar stadium. In consultation with our responder, Irving was held at the ranger station before a coordinated transfer to our Sausalito hospital mid-morning April 16.

We are grateful for the dedication and support of our partners and people like you that allowed this young animal to be rescued in the wee hours of the morning, giving Irving a second chance.

Irving soon underwent an admit exam by our veterinarians, who noted the pup is about 10 months old and severely malnourished. At just 40 pounds at admit, 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’s any underlying ailment.

California sea lions typically stay with their mothers for the first year of their lives, so not only is Irving small, but he is too young to be on his own. As a skinny pup learning to forage on his own, Irving still has a long road to recovery at our hospital. Fortunately, he is 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.

Irving is being cared for in our hospital’s Intensive Quarantine Unit until he clears medical protocols before likely being transferred next week to our traditional rehabilitation pool pen. For now, our animal care experts are tube-feeding him “fish smoothies” twice a day to boost hydration and weight. As Irving gets stronger, he will soon be offered and transition to whole fish.

It’s thanks to caring people like you that Irving has plenty of food, medical care and a safe place to recover at our hospital.