California Wildlife Center Releases Northern Elephant Seal Pups

After months of rehabilitation, the California Wildlife Center released four Northern Elephant seals back into the wild at Paradise Cove in Malibu today.

More than 50 supporters gathered on the shore and pier to witness the wide-eyed pups waddle back to their natural habitat. Three females and one male pup, approximately six months old, were rescued and transferred from the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro last April.

 “Every release is special to us and its always exciting because this is why we do what we do," said Marcella Bell, CWC executive director. "This is especially exciting because this is has been a dream within the organization since its founding. It’s the realization of a lot of dreaming and planning and hoping." 

The pups were treated for infections, taught to feed themselves and reached a goal weight of 150 pounds before being released. 

This is the center’s first year rehabilitating marine mammals. Food shortages are resulting in record high numbers of stranded California Sea Lions in Los Angeles County and as a result are crowding surrounding marine mammal rescue centers. The center’s temporary marine mammal rehabilitation facility has freed up much needed space for other stranded marine mammals. 

“It’s bittersweet," said Jeff Hall, CWC marine mammal coordinator. "Working with them so closely, you have your favorites and they develop personalities. It was exciting to see them grow."

The CWC is seeking a permanent location to continue marine mammal rehabilitation. Although Malibu has supported the center for the last 15 years, they are willing to expand their horizons, Hall said. Their goal is to have better access to sewage, electricity and water and expand operations.