Rescued Sea Lion Found Shot Was Euthanized
Rescued Sea Lion Found Shot Was Euthanized
A California sea lion rescued mid December suffered from pellet gun shot wounds was humanely euthanized because of injuries.
Laguna Beach, CA Tuesday, January 7, 2020 – Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) rescued a female California sea lion in distress from the Wedge in Newport Beach on the morning of Monday, December 16, 2019, after being reported by Newport Beach Animal Control. During her check in she was observed to have two distinct wounds, one of which was a draining abscess on her dorsal back causing her pain and discomfort and limiting her ability to move normally. While conducting radiographs to obtain further information on the extent of the animal’s injury, her chest indicated two gunshots most likely from a pellet rifle.The one and a half year old sea lion yearling, named Mandalorian by its rescuers, was carefully monitored throughout the next week, and despite treatment, her health continued to decline. At that point, a difficult decision was made and the animal was humanely euthanize on December 22, 2019.
A necropsy revealed that one of the bullets impacted between the rib and adjacent vertebrae. This entry wound most likely became infected, leading to severe muscle necrosis around the impact site and an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The second gunshot was lodged in the musculature between the ribs.
The gunshot pellets have been recovered and will be sent to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA NMFS OLE) for further investigation.
“Unfortunately, what we saw is taking place up and down the Pacific Coast. These are disgusting and intentional acts, many of which are pre-meditated. We know there are many out there that feel like they are competing with the sea lions for the same resources. However, there’s a pathway for us to cohabitate with these precious marine mammals, and shooting them is not the way.” said Peter Chang, CEO at PMMC.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center, January 7,2020 Media Release
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education and collaboration.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
