Four emaciated baby seals were rescued Sunday by the marine mammal response team of the California Wildlife Center after they were found marooned on Malibu beaches. Jeff Hall, the marine mammal coordinator for the CWC, told a Malibu Times contributor that when the seals are thin they cannot keep warm in the water, so they go onto the beaches to rest and get warm in the sun.Â
One of the seals (pictured), came onto Las Flores Beach several times last week, Hall said. The CWC coordinator did not meet much resistance from the seal as he approached it to capture it with his net. He carried it in the net and placed it in a cage in his truck, where the other two seals who were rescued were also in cages. The seals were then taken to the Wildlife Center to be nurtured back to health. The center was to begin with fluids and then potentially add fluids after 24 hours.Â
If you see a struggling animal, the emergency hotline for the CWC is 310 458 – WILD (9453). Jeff Hall’s numbers are 818 222-2658 and 310 924-7256.
Knowles Adkisson is the associate editor of The Malibu Times newspaper. He may be reached at knowles@malibutimes.com or 310-456-5507 ext. 109.Â
What do you think of the rescue? Have you or anyone you know seen any seals or wildlife struggling on Malibu beaches lately? Let us know in the comments section.Â
