Manhattan Beach Sea Lion Pup Update: Stingray Barb Removed

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Sea lion pups, like the two that wound up on doorsteps of homes in Manhattan Beach recently, typically are seen to a greater extent in March, April and May, said Lauren Palmer, veterinarian and hospital director of the Marine Animal Care Center Los Angeles, where the two were taken after being rescued by Peter Wallerstein's Marine Animal Rescue. Palmer said the two pups from Manhattan Beach are among the pups that have weaned early.

Both sea lion pups were malnourished and one had a stingray barb in its nose, which Palmer said would have been painful for the pup. "Anyone that has accidentally stepped on a stingray will know what this is like," she explained. "The pup was obviously trying to catch something to eat, but he won't be so eager to chase a stingray next time. There is a steep learning curve for sea lion pups."

Sea lion pups are born primarily in June and they usually stay with their moms for 8-12 months, out on the island rookeries, said Palmer. "Prior to this stranding event, these pups would have spent most of their time on the beach, in a rookery. The beach is their normal habitat. I don't think these young animals have enough experience yet to know that where they ended up was not the safest place to be. They look for some place warm to rest and often that is a spot in the sand, or even on a bike path, or the front steps of a house.

"For pups that are malnourished, we usually keep them 4-8 weeks. In that time, they will double or triple their weight, learn how to eat whole fish in a competitive environment, and get a little more time to mature before they are released. Sometimes these pups are afflicted with parasites and have respiratory issues, and we treat for those conditions. Often the pups that come in later, in April and May, are more ill and require more work to get them healthy enough to return to the ocean," noted Palmer.

When Manhattan Beach Patch last checked on on the two sea lion pups they were "both eating and doing well."

Of note, Marine Animal Rescue and Marine Animal Care Center Los Angeles (MMCCLA) ,the hospital, are two different organizations. "We are both 501 (c) (3), non-profit groups that depend on donations to do our work. We are always grateful for public support," said Palmer.

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