WATCH: 3 Fat, Happy Sea Lions Head Out To Sea In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The Pacific Marine Mammal Center shared footage of their release day for three sea lions that have until Friday been in their care.

The three sea lions—lovingly named Tinky, Eden and Bucky—were rescued during the month of March and rehabilitated by the staff of the center. When they were declared ready to be returned to the wild, naturally, the center decided to keep them together.

On Friday morning, staff trucked them to the shore in large animal crates. The three were taken to a private beach in Irvine Cove, to make it easier on the animals and they certainly appeared to enjoy the journey. The animal caregivers each opened the gates at the same time, and stood back out of sight until the three were ready to romp into the waves.

After their release, the three were seen swimming together as far as we could see," Pacific Marine Mammal Center spokeswoman Krysta Higuchi told Patch. "It was a beautiful day!"

"Bucky and Tinky were each found in Three Arch Bay, from around the same house, and Eden was rescued off Montage Laguna Beach," Higuchi said.

According to the center, release days are priceless, as it shows that the sea lions have been properly rehabilitated, are eating on their own, and maintaining their proper weight.

"They headed back to the wild, plump and healthy!" they said, over social media.

As the volunteers watched, the three swam together, and will likely remain that way in their regained freedom. Now, healthier, happier and safer than before.

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center has just released their Conservation Catalog: www.pacificmmc.org for a way you can support the animals and have a memento, keepsake.

All proceeds from the catalog go back to the care of our patients, according to Higuchi.