Featured Image: The Marine Mammal Center
By: Lindsay Edgar
Off the sandy Pacific coast of California, a seven-month-old sea lion pup cowers in the dunes. Weakened with exhaustion, it keeps shelter among the sparse bushes and tries to save what little energy it has left.
A figure approaches and the pup is slid gently out of its hiding spot. Unbeknownst to the sea lion pup, it has just gained a new lease on life thanks to concerned citizen and a Marine Mammal Center volunteer, Sue Hawley.
Back at The Marine Mammal Center – an expansive building, which houses a veterinary clinic, research lab, and animal rehabilitation site – other sea lion pups greet the newcomer with open arms (or should we say flippers?).
Image Credit: Ingrid Overgard / The Marine Mammal Center
Rescues like this one are very frequent in the Marin Headlands area. Due to the recent decline in anchovy and sardine populations, sea lions are unable to get the sustenance they need to survive.
While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the downward trend in fish populations, scientists say the low numbers of fish are probably due to environmental changes like warming waters and changing breeding areas.
The Center has admitted over 750 animals this year. A large number of those animals were underweight or malnourished. You try swimming with an empty stomach and see how far you get!
Shawn Johnson, the head veterinarian and director of animal science at the rehab center, says that sea lion births are at half of historic rates and the pups are among the smallest seen in 40 years.
Image Credit: Mike Adaskveg
These statistics are concerning, but the Center is devoted to tracking their released patients in order to better understand what’s happening out there in the big blue.
As Sue Hawley reflects on her time spent as a volunteer, she is optimistic. Her determination to save these animals has had its ups and downs, but she knows that she’s making a difference.
Thanks to her relentless dedication as a volunteer, the Marine Mammal Center can continue to advocate for the world offshore!