The slippery rocks of the Marina del Rey jetty caused a failed rescue attempt with a sick sea lion this Sunday. The very ill animal backed into the water just before the rescue attempt took place.

Sea Lion

Sea Lion on jetty.

With Lifeguards and Harbor Patrol alerted to watch out for her, a call came in the afternoon about a sea lion in the water, struggling to breathe and possibly entangled in the dozens of fishing lines at the end of Santa Monica Pier. Marine Animal Rescue (MAR) responded and with assistance from Santa Monica Harbor Patrol, MAR hoop netted the sea lion just before she would have been dragged by the surf and currents into the pier pilings.

Thanks to the Santa Monica Harbor Patrol for their assistance.

Peter Wallerstein
Marine Animal Rescue Specialist
Friends of Animals