Unexpected Stowaway: Sea Lion Pup Rescued After ‘Hitching Ride’ on Southern California Sailboat
A father and daughter enjoying a day on the water off the coast of Southern California received a surprising visitor on January 24th: a malnourished sea lion pup who boarded their sailboat and remained onboard for a 30-minute journey to shore. The remarkable rescue, coordinated by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, highlights the challenges facing marine wildlife and the importance of swift intervention.
A Surprise Visitor Off San Clemente
The unusual encounter began when the young sea lion pup jumped onto the swim step of a sailboat near San Clemente. According to a February 11th Facebook post from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, the animal’s condition immediately raised concerns. “He was frail,” the boat’s owner, identified as Matthew Miller, told CBS Los Angeles. “He was very, very docile. Very calm, and he hung out on our boat for like a good 30 minutes.”
As Miller and his 11-year-old daughter, Ellie, steered their vessel toward Dana Point Harbor, the pup remained steadfastly aboard. Recognizing the animal needed help, they contacted the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Staff requested photographs to assess the situation.
Underweight and Displaying Abnormal Behavior
Based on the images provided, the center’s team determined the pup was significantly underweight and exhibiting concerning behavioral patterns. “If the pup remained on the boat, our team would attempt a rescue,” the nonprofit stated. Miller observed that the pup’s repeated attempts to return to the water after briefly jumping off further indicated something was amiss.
By the time they reached Dana Point Harbor, the exhausted pup had fallen asleep on the swim step, simplifying the rescue process for the awaiting team. Ellie, touched by the pup’s plight, affectionately named him “Chump.”
Intensive Care and a Promising Recovery
“Chump” arrived at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center weighing just 39 pounds and displaying signs of both malnutrition and pneumonia. The center’s veterinary staff and volunteers immediately initiated intensive care. “Our veterinary staff and animal care volunteers are closely monitoring Chump, treating his pneumonia, and providing him with three hefty meals a day to help him gain crucial weight,” the nonprofit reported.
After several weeks of dedicated care, including antibiotics, fluid therapy, and a specialized diet of fish, Chump has gained six pounds, according to CBS Los Angeles. Veterinary staff are optimistic about his continued progress, with a potential release back into the wild anticipated in March.
What to Do If You Encounter a Stranded Marine Mammal
Encountering a stranded or deceased marine mammal can be distressing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries urges the public to report any such sightings to the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 966-767-6114. This network responds to incidents involving dolphins, whales, seals, and manatees, among other marine species.
Understanding California Sea Lions
California sea lions, the species to which “Chump” belongs, are intelligent and playful animals commonly found along the West Coast. According to the Marine Mammal Care Center of Los Angeles (MMCC), females typically weigh up to 240 pounds and reach 6 feet in length, while males can exceed 700 pounds and 7.5 feet. Males often exhibit chocolate-brown fur, while females generally display a lighter, golden-brown hue. These “eared seals” are easily identifiable by their visible external ear flaps and “dog-like” snouts, and are frequently observed on beaches, docks, and buoys.
Worth a look
