As Mothers Wean, Struggling Sea Lion Pups Come Ashore in Malibu

A wave of six-month old California sea lion pups have been coming ashore in Malibu for warmth as they struggle to learn how to hunt.

Cindy Reyes, executive director of the California Wildlife Center, said pups born in June are being weaned from their mothers around this time of the year.

"They're not figuring out the whole hunting, fishing thing so they are starting to get emaciated," Reyes said. "It's that whole learning curve."

Since Sunday, the center's marine mammal coordinator, Jeff Hall, said he has rescued five young California sea lions in Malibu from La Piedra State Beach to Malibu Road. The sea lions will be nourished and then released back into the wild, he said.

A young sea lion pup that was rescued Christmas Day from Big Rock in Malibu was emaciated and did not survive.

"He died about three days after he arrived at the rehab center. The reason why he died was chronic emaciation," Hall said. 

The pup was given fluids with lots of carbohydrates and calories, which usually perks sea lions up right away.

"If they've been emaciated for a really long time It's really difficult to get them back to a stable level because their health is so precarious," he said.

Hall said it is best for residents who spot the sea lion pups to call the California Wildlife Center right away.

"When they are emaciated they can come down with other things," Hall said.

According to Reyes, the young sea lions leave the ocean because they have lost most of their body fat.

She encouraged people who see sea lions on the beach to leave them be.

"It's because they are cold. They get so cold they can't stay in the water long enough to hunt," Reyes said.

Beachgoers who observe a young sea lion should keep their distance and call the California Wildlife Center.

"It's important that people don't try to put them back in the water or pour water on them," Reyes said. "If they have to be rescued, we'll do that."

To report a sick, injured or stranded animal, call the California Wildlife Center at (310) 458-9453.