California rescuers trying to save sea lions and seals
SAN PEDRO, Calif. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Rescuers along the Southern California coast are working to save the lives of hundreds of sea lions and seals.
These animals at the Marine Mammal Care Center are being treated for an illness caused by an offshore toxic algae bloom.
The algae produces a neurotoxin which accumulates in fish which are then eaten by larger animals.
Affected animals can suffer symptoms including:
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Aggression
- Lethargy
"They can recover and we can send them back to the ocean home. It just takes a lot of time, a lot of fish, a lot of fluids and a lot of medication," said John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center.
Rescuers say they expect numbers to increase.
