SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — An adult female sea lion was rescued by the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute Friday morning at Hendry’s Beach.
According to CIMWI, the sea lion was reported last night by a former CIMWI volunteer who conducted an initial assessment of the animal and the situation.
CIMWI says a team returned around 9:30 a.m. to safely conduct a rescue mission. The animal was found in the same area it was spotted the night before and the team was able to rescue the sea lion.
Concerned beachgoers were very supportive and eager to assist the team, said CIMWI.
CIMWI says getting the animal off the beach was challenging with the rising tide, rocky terrain and decreased beach space. The team lifted the transport kennel with the animal with their beach cart of 200 pounds and carried it, along with equipment, over wet rocky terrain multiple times on the way back with the animal.
The sea lion was transported to CIMWI’s rehabilitation facility for an immediate medical evaluation and treatment. According to CIMWI, the female sea lion was “extremely lethargic and minimally responsive” and had exhibited moderate clinical signs consistent with domoic acid.