Rescued Los Angeles sea lions released back into ocean after sickened by toxic algae bloom
Hundreds of dead sea lions and dolphins washed-up on the Los Angeles coast. The Marine Mammal Center rescued some that were clinging to life. Two months later they released two sea lions back into the wild.
2 Sea Lions released months after deadly algae bloom in Los Angeles
FOX 11's Christina Pascuicci was on the beach when the Marine Mammal Center released 2 sea lions back into the wild. These were 2 of the sickest mammals that staff nursed back to health after a being sickened by a toxic algae bloom nearly killed them.
LOS ANGELES - Two months after they were rescued from beaches across Southern California amid a widespread toxic algae bloom that had contaminated ocean waters, two sea lions were released back into their habitat Wednesday.
According to the Marine Mammal Care Center, 47 sea lions sick from domoic acid poisoning in late June were rescued within a two-week span.
The rapid growth of harmful algae along parts of the Southern California coast is suspected to be the cause of death and stranding for sea lions and dolphins.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: TOXIC ALGAE BLOOM BECOMING DEADLY FOR SEA LIONS, DOLPHINS IN PACIFIC OCEAN
Mammals getting sick due to toxic algae along California coast
Hundreds of dead sea lions and dolphins are washing up on California beaches and a toxic algae bloom is being blamed. FOX Weather's Max Gorden with more about what’s going on.
In response, the Los Angeles Unified School District helped provide temporary outdoor space for the center to expand its triage care for sea lions. FOX Weather's Max Gorden got to see the make-shift hospital.
The toxic algae produce a neurotoxin called domoic acid, which accumulates in fish such as sardines, anchovies and squid. The toxin then transfers to predators such as sea lions and birds that prey on the fish, causing seizures, brain damage and sometimes death.
WHY DID THE SEA LION CROSS THE ROAD?
According to NOAA, domoic acid is one of the foremost threats to marine animals. Sea lions with domoic acid often also suffer from dehydration, severe vomiting, aggressive behavior, lethargic unresponsiveness and miscarriages.