Though down from the number of rescues in 2015, the California Wildlife Center (CWC) has rescued 107 animals this season — 99 of which are California sea lions.
“This season is definitely above average, however not as busy as 2015,” CWC Marine Program Manager Jeff Hall told The Malibu Times. “By the end of March 2015, CWC had rescued 201 animals. This year, we are about half of what we rescued last year, but that is still above average.”
Hall explained that the average for this time of year would be about 35 to 65 animal rescues. According to Hall, there have been increased rates of stranding since winter of 2013. Not only are there more rescues, but they are happening earlier in the year.
“Typically, California sea lion rescues happen in late spring through the summer,” Hall said. “Since 2013, CWC has been rescuing pups earlier and earlier in the year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that in 2013, California sea lions experienced an unusual mortality event (UME), which is defined under the Marine Mammal Protection Act on the NOAA website as “a stranding that is unexpected; involved a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response.” NOAA reported that sea lions were showing up emaciated, dehydrated and very underweight for their age.
“Lack of prey species has been identified as one of the main reasons for the increased strandings,” Hall explained, “but it is difficult to put a single cause as to the reason.”
The CWC can house 25 California sea lion pups at one time. Over the course of the year, the center will rehabilitate over 100 animals.
“Currently we have 22 California sea lions in-house, and seven Northern elephant seals,” Hall said.
How to help
Hall offered some tips for people who see a stranded sea lion that looks sick or emaciated on the beach.
“Stay at least 50 feet away and call CWC at 310.458.9453,” he said. “Our rescue team works 365 days per year to respond to each report of a marine mammal.”
Due to the large number of animal strandings in Malibu, Hall explained that the center’s resources are stretched thin, so patience is appreciated.
“We are doing our best every day to rescue as many of these sick pups as we possibly can,” Hall said.
Many animals come out of the water to warm up, so Hall explained that there are precautions to take.
“It is very important for people to keep their distance and to not pour water on the animal, which can make it cold and go into shock,” Hall said. “I always tell people, ‘It’s a wild and federally protected animal, keep your distance and let it do what it wants.’ Your ‘help’ may actually cause the animal undue stress.”
For more information or to donate to CWC (a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to operate), visit cawildlife.org.