13 Sea Lions Released Back Into The Pacific: Video

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — It was a bright May morning when Laguna Beach's Pacific Marine Mammal Center released a record 13 sea lions back into the ocean. Volunteers and staff lined animal carriers up on the beach, and on the count of three, all doors opened. The marine mammals, a favorite in South Orange County, all loped their way into the breaking surf.

On May 18, the sunny day was at complete odds to the stormy January that started the record number of marine mammals rescued by the facility.

Storm, one of the 13, was rescued at a mere 24 pounds.

"It rained five days in a row when Storm was rescued from the beach near the Laguna Cliffs restaurant," spokeswoman Krysta Higuchi told Patch.

She suffered hypothermia and undernourishment and had a long way to go to reach her optimum weight to return to the open waters.
Storm was just one of 79 sea lions in the Pacific Marine Mammal Center's care.

"We should have already seen our peak numbers, but every week, more sea lions are being rescued," she said.

In May, the center added 28 sea lions into their care. Four of them perished, but the mortality numbers are down from last year, she said. "The animal care team has been amazing, " she said. "They give these guys all the care that they need."

Many of the patients have been entangled in fishing line or gill nets, according to Higuchi. Malnourshiment is a common problem with the mammals, who eat about 50 pounds of fish per week per sea lion.

"That can be pricey when you've got almost 80 mouths to feed," she laughed.

Back at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, volunteers and staff helped Storm regain her weight.

She was released at a healthy 68 pounds.

Sabrina, another favored sea lion at the center and the smallest ever rescued at 21 pounds, was released at the jaw-dropping weight of 93 pounds.

After the 13 were released last weekend, an additional 17 more sea lions have been rescued.

Now, at the center, they are aiding 79 marine mammals. There are currently 50 sea lions, 24 northern elephant seals, 5 Pacific harbor seals "in house."

The PMMC will enter their "Fish Drive" in June, what Higuchi says is their most significant event of the year and the most important one for the non-profit. Expenses just in fish can top $100,000 per year.

To learn more, donate, or to watch them at play, visit: www.pacificmmc.org