A pack of adorable sea lion pups in Southern California were released back to the ocean after being rescued by animalcaretakers last month who found them malnourished and close to the brink of death.
Dozens of people showed up Friday at Manhattan Beach including Mayor Joe Franklin, for the joyous celebration and beach release of the trio of sea lions, named Tortellini, Rotini and Cavatappi.
Videos and pictures showed the sweet sea lion pups being released from their crates, wading across the sandy beach and into the ocean waters as the crowd of rescuers and community members celebrated.
In one video, the sea lions bobbed in the water and dived through the waves looking much stronger and healthier than when they washed up on the shore in April.
The female pup named Tortellini was found on April 12, rescued from Dockweiler State Beach. She was so severely emaciated. Pictures on Instagram post about her rescue showed her backbone visible beneath her fur.
“During Tortellini’s intake exam, our veterinary experts noted that she also had some swelling in her jaw as well as discharge from her eye,” a press release read.
Her eye infection was treated with anti-inflammatory medication and a vision supplement, and her squinting improved, per the release.
Rescuers also dealt with her health, making up a mixture of mashed-up fish that she was fed through a tube. Officials said soon she was strong enough to eat a whole fish.
“After six weeks in care, Tortellini’s eye issues have fully resolved, and she has nearly doubled in weight. She is now ready to return to her ocean home,” the release added.
Another female sea lion, Rotini, was rescued in April after being spotted at the same state beach by a cleanup crew.
Officials said she was both malnourished and dehydrated. To get her strong and in tip top swimming shape, she was also tube-fed a fish mixture, but soon was eating a whole fish.
Now, she’s back to a healthy weight and ready to return to the wild.
And lastly, the male pup of the group, Cavatappi, He was rescued last month at El Segundo after being found dehydrated and malnourished.
In a short time tube-feeding healed him and he doubled in size, ready for release back to his ocean home, per the announcement.
The three were taken in by the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) the only year-round marine mammal rehabilitation center in Los Angeles.
The group says they rescue “more marine mammals per mile of coastline than any other organization in the US.”
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