Number of Sick Sea Lions Increases 40 Percent in 2015: Laguna Beach Animal Rehab Facility

The number of sick sea lions increased 40 percent in 2015 compared with 2014, officials with Laguna Beach’s Pacific Marine Mammal Center said on Jan. 16, 2015. (Credit: KTLA)

by: Sara Welch

Posted: Jan 16, 2015 / 04:15 PM PST

Updated: Jan 16, 2015 / 11:17 PM PST

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The number of sick sea lions who have required assistance and rehabilitation at a Laguna Beach facility has spiked 40 percent so far in 2015 compared to all of 2014, according to staff at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

In 2014, the facility helped four sea lions. Since Jan. 1, 2015, 16 have required aid, Animal Care Supervisor Kirsten Sedlick said.

The sea lions mostly suffered from extreme malnutrition and dehydration, but were also assessed for other injuries before being released back into the wild.

Sara Welch reports from Laguna Beach for the KTLA 5 News at 1 on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015.

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