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Sea Lion Yearling Rescued After Crossing Road In Golden Gate National Recreation Area

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Published Date

February 12, 2015
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This sea lion that wandered too far from the ocean was taken to the Marine Mammal Center for recuperation and nourishing/NPS

Why did the sea lion cross Skyline Drive in Golden Gate National Recreation Area? That's a good question with no ready answer. But the bottom line is that the male yearling, though undernourished, is doing well and being cared for at the Marine Mammal Center at the Marin Headlands of the NRA.

The sea lion was spotted just south of the turnoff to the Great Highway shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday by two passersby. While they were trying to move it off the road, Golden Gate Ranger Matt Wallat came upon the scene and stopped to help them. Ranger Wallat positioned his vehicle in the lane of traffic to further protect the sea lion as they tried to load it into a plastic tote for transport.

"The sea lion was combative and bit the blankets being used to coax him into the tote," a park release saaid.

Marine Mammal Center staff Veterinarian Cara Field performed an admit exam on the sea lion, which was given the name Persevero, and determined through tooth measurements and head and flipper sizes that it likely was born in June 2013. It weighed a scant 28 pounds; under normal circumstances, it would be closer to 80 pounds, according to Dr. Shawn Johnson at the center. Adult sea lions, meanwhile, can top out at upwards of 1,000 pounds.

The sea lion is now one of 115 California Sea lion pups being treated at the Marine Mammal Center for being underweight.

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