A few weeks ago, with heavy hearts, we announced the dangers that the toxic algae bloom posed to both animals and humans. The most severe and unprecedented blooms affected thousands of animals in and out of the water, largely due to climate change, among other factors.
Thankfully, we have good news. The Marine Mammal Care Center has not only rehabilitated but also successfully returned four sea lion pups to the ocean. This marks not only a major milestone in their recovery but also the official end of the domoic acid bloom in our waters.
The four stars of this story arrived at the center malnourished and with visible shark bite wounds. Now, they are healthy and thriving back in their natural home. This adorable group isn’t the only one lucky enough to return home: Romeo, a large adult male weighing over 400 pounds, was also released yesterday, but at Dockweiler Beach.
According to officials at the Care Center who spoke to NBC Los Angeles, this emotional release marks the end of this year’s toxic algae bloom. They know because recent ocean water tests showed no traces of domoic acid.
The toxic algae bloom lasted a grueling 14 weeks, impacting the health of thousands of animals and overwhelming Southern California’s wildlife marine animal care organizations. These groups have done an outstanding job caring for and rehabilitating their patients.