A Malnourished, Dehydrated California Sea Lion Pup Is Saved

The following story was shared with us by Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles.

On December 15, 2020, a small California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) was picked up in Malibu by California Wildlife Center and was brought to our hospital at Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles. The pup stranded on the beach because he was malnourished and dehydrated.

On admission to the hospital the male pup weighed 29.7 pounds. To combat malnutrition and dehydration, he was given an oral solution containing EmerAid Intensive Care Piscivore. EmerAid Intensive Care Piscivore is our first line of defense for animals suffering from malnutrition.

He was also given subcutaneous fluids to help rehydrate him. After being administered EmerAid during his first 12 hours with us, he transitioned to a blended diet containing fish, vitamins, and electrolytes. He started eating fish on his own after 48 hours.

He continued to eat well and gain weight. He was released on February 4th, 2020, weighing 82 pounds.