After nearly two weeks of medical care at SeaWorld San Diego, an injured California sea lion that had a gaff pole protruding from his side has made a full recovery and was returned to the ocean by the park’s animal rescue team.
The adult sea lion, estimated to be between 5 and 10 years old, had been sighted several times with a gaff pole protruding from his side. SeaWorld’s rescuers made several attempts to rescue the animal, however, each time the sea lion slipped back into the water. Finally, on Oct. 1, SeaWorld was able to rescue the animal after he hauled out on a narrow stretch of beach near a marina in San Diego Bay. The sea lion was immediately treated for an infection in the wound as well as dehydration. He responded very quickly to treatment and gained nearly 30 pound while in SeaWorld’s care.
