SeaWorld To The Rescue

SeaWorld San Diego has decided to suspend its popular sea lion and otter show – Sea Lions LIVE – in order to allow animal caretakers from that facility to assist in rescuing and rehabilitating an historic number of young sea lions beaching in Southern California.

The decision was made on Sat., March 7, and a small number of trainers will remain at Sea Lion stadium to continue to care for the animals living there.

Zoological team members from SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens Tampa have also flown out to San Diego to assist in the effort.

SeaWorld’s entire zoological staff is working tirelessly to save the lives of these emaciated and ill animals. SeaWorld San Diego already has rescued more than 400 sea lions in 2015; more than twice the number of marine mammal rescues the park would average in a typical year.

The park is also in the process of constructing two temporary pools for the rescued sea lions. While this rescue season already is dramatic in terms of numbers, SeaWorld San Diego has rescued more than 15,000 animals over the park’s 50-year history.

While the temporary closure of the sea lion and otter show may be a minor inconvenience to guests, park officials said: “We feel that it is important to ensure we provide the highest level of care necessary to give these stranded sea lions a second chance at life. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”