SeaWorld San Diego released 13 rehabilitated marine animals—including a threatened Guadalupe fur seal, two northern fulmars, a common murre and nine California sea lions—back into Pacific waters after treatment for injuries, severe malnutrition and fishing-line entanglements. The park also cared for a newborn bottlenose dolphin calf and a sea lion pup. SeaWorld operates a 24/7 rescue hotline (1-800-541-SEAL) and is preparing to receive three belugas as part of an international relocation effort tied to the closure of Marineland of Canada.
SeaWorld San Diego Returns 13 Rehabilitated Marine Animals to Pacific; Prepares to Receive Belugas
Photo Credit: SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego released 13 rehabilitated marine animals and seabirds back into Pacific waters off the California coast in an event officials called an encouraging sign for regional wildlife recovery.
The animals released included a threatened Guadalupe fur seal, two northern fulmars, a common murre, and nine California sea lions, according to local reports. Rescuers treated the animals for a range of problems, including injuries, severe malnutrition, and entanglement with fishing line.
In two cases, fishing line had become wrapped around the animals' necks; in another, a California sea lion had line running through its mouth. The two northern fulmars arrived with different needs—one with a physical injury and the other severely emaciated on arrival.
The Guadalupe fur seal was first rescued in late January by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, where staff stabilized the animal before transferring it to SeaWorld San Diego for continued rehabilitation. In June the park also welcomed two newborns: a bottlenose dolphin calf and a California sea lion pup, both now under park care.
Why These Rescues Matter
Beyond saving individual animals, rehabilitation and release efforts help protect the coastal food webs and ecosystems that support recreation, tourism, fisheries, and community identity. Entanglements with fishing line and marine debris remain a persistent hazard: lost gear can injure animals long after it enters the water, and seabirds and sea lions are especially vulnerable while feeding or swimming near shore.
Ongoing Rescue Work & How to Help
SeaWorld says its rescue team operates 24/7 to respond to sick, injured, or orphaned marine wildlife with the goal of rehabilitating and returning them to the wild. If you find an animal in distress, do not approach or attempt to handle it—report sightings to trained responders.
Report Marine Wildlife In Distress: Call SeaWorld Rescue at 1-800-541-SEAL (7325).
International Beluga Relocation
SeaWorld San Diego is also preparing to participate in a larger international rescue operation connected to the closure of Marineland of Canada. The coordinated effort, which began in mid-July, aims to prevent euthanasia of 30 beluga whales housed at Marineland. As part of that operation, SeaWorld San Diego is expected to receive three belugas—Xavier (13) and two 9-year-olds, Cyprus and Jasper—with assistance from rescue groups across the U.S. and overseas.
Community reporting, proper disposal of fishing gear, and continued support for rescue and rehabilitation programs are key to reducing threats to marine wildlife and sustaining healthy coastal ecosystems.
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