What Was ICU Up To In 2021?

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By Jenn Guess, Development Manager

Photo by Cambria Wells

2021 was quite a year here at California Wildlife Center (CWC). This past year we had 4,013 animals come to our facility. Our Wildlife Technicians are directly responsible for the care of our patients and every patient that came through our doors was assessed by the technicians in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Animals were carefully examined to determine the best course of action for rehabilitation. Sometimes it was as simple as providing fluids and moving the patient to our Orphan Care Unit for supportive care. For adult animals, it was often more complex.

Our ICU technicians didn’t stop after the initial intake exam. They were responsible for the daily care and rehabilitation of thousands of patients during 2021. This was a huge undertaking, especially considering that we continued to operate with minimal help due to the persistence of Covid-19. Our technicians provided extensive wound care, splinted fractures, and administered a complex array of medications to treat infections, reduce swelling, and provide pain management.

Photo by Brittany Moser

Coronavirus did not slow down the influx of new animals showing up each day. Our busiest day was May 31st, where ICU technicians received 42 new patients in one day. The second busiest day was April 26th, with 40 new patients. We always know that Spring and early Summer are the most hectic months there at CWC. From April through June we admitted 1,771 patients, 44% of all animals received for care in 2021. Overall, we saw an increase in the number of patients from 2020. We admitted over 200 more patients in 2021, compared to the previous year. Since opening our doors in 1998, the need for care has increased steadily every year except 2020 (likely due to the arrival of Covid).

Photo by Jenn Guess

Technicians saw a variety of animals this past year, with 160 different species making their way through our doors. The five most common patients that the ICU technicians examined were, in decreasing order, Eastern Fox Squirrels, Mourning Doves, House Finches, Mallards, and American Crows. Some of the more uncommon species were a Red-breasted Sapsucker, Lesser Scaup, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Pond Turtle, and an American White Pelican.

Now that it’s Winter, the ICU technicians are eagerly preparing for the next busy season. In addition to an endless list of smaller tasks, they are deep cleaning the ICU kitchen, repairing enclosures, and reorganizing supplies, all while continuing to perform daily intake exams and care for existing patients on site. It’s a job that is never done, and CWC is very fortunate to have a staff of dedicated technicians who are up for the challenge.

A Unique Release for a Unique Seal

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By KC Scofield, Stranding Coordinator

Northern Elephant Seal

Northern Elephant Seal “Blue” waiting to be rescued
Photo by Joan Zoloth, finder

On March 14th, we rescued an underweight Northern Elephant Seal pup at the La Costa Beach Club in Malibu. Once admitted this pup was marked with a blue non-toxic grease marker used identify individuals while in care, so we began to call him “Blue.” These marks are helpful when telling the seals apart, making it easier to accurately track diets, weight gain, medications, and general progress.

Blue standing tall before going for a swim
Photo by Tara Wilson

We rescued Blue when he was around two or three months old. He was underweight at 86.6 pounds close to what his birth weight would have been. When leaving the rookery, or breeding area, and living on their own, Elephant Seal pups must teach themselves how to swim and fish. This can lead to trouble learning to recognize and swallow fish, a challenge Blue faced during his stay. His learning process was slower than usual, and he had difficulty digesting fish which explains his underweight status and consequent struggle with gaining weight during his stay. The final hurdle for him was an ulcer on his left eye. Blue had a lot to overcome, and the team quickly set to the task of providing him the best care. He received hydration and nutrition via feeding tubes while he was emaciated. Once ready for solid food, we gave him long, thin, easy to swallow fish and put him through “fish school” to help him learn how to track, dive and hunt fish for himself. We treated him with antibiotics and topical eye medications to help stabilize his eye ulcer.

At 12 weeks, his stay became the longest California Wildlife Center has ever had for a marine mammal! This duration was necessary to ensure any challenges were resolved before release. Before release each individual must pass certain milestones. These include reaching a healthy weight goal, proving they can dive, forage, and compete with others for fish, and they must be recovered from the illness or injury that caused them to strand and be free of any secondary health problems. For Blue, the team wanted certainty that his eye was stable and that he could gain and maintain weight. By the morning of his release, he weighed 201 pounds, an average weight gain of 6 pounds per week, bringing him to a healthy weight for a male Elephant Seal pup of his age!

Blue’s attention captured by herring
Photo by Tara Wilson

Elephant Seals typically gather onshore twice a year, in the summer for molting and in the winter for breeding, spending most of their time foraging in the open ocean. Due to this seasonal pattern, the length of his rehabilitation, and the now bustling coastline, a beach release was not an option.

It had been two years since the Marine Mammal Team had done an offshore release. This type of release involved traveling via boat out to the Channel Islands just off the coast. At 5am on June 30th the team started our six-hour journey to Santa Rosa Island. More than two dozen volunteers met us on the dock that morning to celebrate everyone’s hard work and the achievement of releasing Blue.

With the help of Island Packers Cruises, we were able to release Blue off a boat, close to established colonies throughout the Channel Islands. By bringing him further from the mainland and closer to wild seal populations, we could provide him the best chance for success.

Through the overcast June morning and less than calm seas, Blue snoozed most of the three-hour boat ride, peeking occasionally at the ocean ahead of him. Once the boat was situated in a calm area next to the island, the kennel door was opened. With a subtle splash, Blue was back in the Big Blue. He surveyed his new environment, taking it all in, and calmly without hesitation swam away from the boat, out into the ocean. Nestled in the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Protected Area, Santa Rosa Island provides plenty of fish and quiet beaches for Blue to grow and become the best beach master he can be!

Blue’s release from a boat off of Santa Rosa Island
Photo by Heather Henderson

The Marine Mammal team sincerely thanks our team of volunteers and supporters for their hard work and dedication making this lifesaving work possible.

Seal Pup’s Remarkable Recovery

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Elephant Seal pup before, Photo by Annika Galloway

On March 25, 2021 the Marine Mammal team headed to Leo Carrillo beach in Malibu following the report of a sickly Northern Elephant Seal pup. The reporting party first spotted the animal as the sun was setting the night prior and was so concerned about the animal that he returned the next morning to find the pup in the same place high up on the beach rocks. When our rescue team arrived, they found a severely dehydrated, malnourished and injured three-month-old female Northern Elephant Seal pup. She had tar patches over approximately 10% of her body, a bloody muzzle, and an injured left eye.

Elephant Seal pup after,
Photo by Annika Galloway

During the injured Elephant seal’s intake exam, she weighed 35kg (approximately birth weight) although she was three months old. Along with an overall poor body condition, the highest concern was lack of movement of the inner left eyelid, which functions to remove surface debris from the eye. Additionally, the eye coloration was severely cloudy with a red hue deep in the tissue base, which could have represented an infection behind the eye. If uncontrolled, there is a risk of infection spreading throughout the body. In cases like these, removal of the eye is a consideration if we were not able to control the spread of the infection. Northern Elephant Seals forage both by sight and feel. Particularly at depth, these extremely sensitive vibrissae (whiskers) sense remote movements in the water and take over for vision while foraging, so while two perfect eyes are best, the seals can be successful with only one.

After three-weeks in care, our patient had responded so well to medical and nutritional care that we were able to discontinue antibiotic treatments and move her into a pool to work on self-feeding whole herring. Now after two months of supportive care, she has mastered eating underwater, is approaching a healthy release weight, and most exciting, the left eye infection resolved leaving only a small corneal scar with regained vision. Elephant seal pup #21-041 should return to her ocean home in early June!

Former CWC Sea Lion Patient Thriving in the Wild

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By Heather Henderson, Marine Program Manager

W1134 at Point Dume in 2021, Photo by KC Scofield

At CWC and other marine rehab centers every pinniped (seal or sea lion) patient is outfitted with an orange flipper tag that has a unique identification number prior to their release.  Spotting these tags on healthy animals in the wild provides rehabilitation centers valuable information about former patient survival and movement patterns.

On February 10th 2021, our marine mammal team spotted a sub-adult female California Sea Lion hauled out with others on a rock.  We noticed a flipper tag on the right front flipper, indicating she had been at a marine mammal rehabilitation facility.  Examining a picture snapped through binoculars we were able to read the identifiers — W1134.  Exciting news: this sea lion was originally rescued and cared for at CWC!

History of this animal:   Rescued as a pup from Leo Carrillo Beach on May 14th 2017 which means she was born around June 15th, 2016.  Weighing only 40 pounds, she was about 55% of a healthy weight for her age and had an injured left eye.  The eye was examined by the staff and topical eye medication administered.  Additionally, a veterinary ophthalmic specialist came in to determine if special treatment should be considered.  The conclusion that the eye damage was unchanging meant that no treatment course could restore vision; however, there also was no evidence of continued infection.  She was released July 5th 2017 at Nicholas Canyon Beach, at a healthy weight of 75 pounds.

W1134 at Release in 2017, Photo by Heather Henderson

Six months later the patient was rescued again from Pirates Cove on Feb 6th, 2018, back down to 40 pounds.  When patients return it is referred to as a “re-strand.”  We gather information, treat any new ailments, and prepare them to be re-released.   While we hope they will not re-strand, some individuals require more help preparing for life in the wild.  After receiving a clean bill of health and weighing a robust 90 pounds, this female California Sea Lion was given another chance to succeed and released at Nicholas Canyon Beach on March 26th 2018.

Three years later, we are overjoyed to spot her in good body condition, sporting a healthy fur coat, and integrated into the local colony.  After a rough start, rehabilitative care provided a path for this sea lion to not only survive but to thrive!

Unusual Rescue Calls

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By the Marine Mammal Team

Guadalupe Fur Seal pup
By Heather Henderson

Our marine mammal team performs the majority of our rescues between February and May each year. Generally, winter and summer reports are for California Sea Lions in distress, and spring is heavily weighted with Elephant Seals in need of our help. Along with these, we had a few noteworthy responses this season.

In February a seven-month-old Guadalupe Fur Seal stranded on Leo Carrillo beach, lethargic and severely malnourished. Guadalupe Fur Seals are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In the 1970s the Marine Mammal Protection Act was put into legislation and while it aided Califor­nia Sea Lions and Northern Elephant Seals, Guadalupe Fur Seal populations remain low. Further complicating their recovery, since 2015, these Seals have been experiencing an Unusual Mortality Event, high die-off numbers without a clear cause. Each year we may only receive one call for Guadalupe Fur Seals, whereas a typical year will bring 297 of calls for other marine mammals. For ESA species like these, special permitting is required to perform long-term rehabilita­tive care; thus we stabilized the patient then transferred her to the appropriate facility for the remainder of her treatment.

Two Elephant Seals stranded in Malibu this July. The timing of this event is unusual because in our region elephant seals strand in high numbers during March and April, with a few stragglers in May and June. CWC has never responded to a malnourished elephant seal pup in the month of July, let alone two, until this year. We were able to stabilize both and offer them a chance to thrive. It is unclear why they beached this late. It is possible a late birth set them back.

Thresher Shark
By Kari Childers

The most unique response this year was for a recently expired Thresher Shark on Carbon Beach in August. This is a relatively rare sighting, as they tend to be a pelagic, or off-shore species. Seeing one up close is a memorable experience. While not a marine mammal, our team responded to the report of the beached shark. After confirming it was dead, we reached out to the California State University Long Beach Shark Lab. The shark biologists mentioned that there had been a handful of Thresher shark strandings along the California coastline during the same week, and they were collecting the animals to examine and hopefully determine the reason for this unusual activity.

We continue to be available throughout the year to help animals like these as well as our usual response for marine mammals and water birds at the beaches of Malibu.

Northern Elephant Seal Rescue and Rehabilitation during the Covid Crisis

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By Heather Henderson, Marine Program Manager

One of our Elephant Seal patients
Photo by Heather Henderson

Springtime is Elephant Seal time along the California coastline. Few things are as predictable as the arrival of newly weaned Northern Elephant Seal pups hauling out each March on our Malibu beaches! While these young marine mammals are relatively large, they strand in a severely malnourished state, 30-50% of the healthy weight for their age (59 – 99 lbs).

Each February, anticipation of their arrival builds excite­ment for staff and volunteers. At CWC, the entire Marine Mammal Program is planned around rehabilitating Elephant Seal pups, from enclosure design to when new team members are recruited. Not even a global pandemic can stop the pups’ annual arrival, however, it certainly can have an impact.

The Covid-19 Safer at Home ordinance went into effect just as Elephant Seals started to arrive. In response, we decreased the number of people on-site each day to two, compared to ten. Operating at 20% personnel was daunting, but human safety always dictates our approach. We adjusted our rehabilitation procedures and feeding times a little bit, which doesn’t impact patient care but does make it easier for fewer people to care for them.

Thankfully, this has been possible because we have had fewer reports of distressed marine animals this year. Between homeowners and lifeguards, there are still eyes on the beach reporting stranded animals, so we feel confident we are not leaving pups to suffer and that it is actually a lighter year overall. In certain cases, empty beaches have also meant healthy animals have been afforded the luxury of resting and then moving on instead of needing rescue due to harassment by people.

During these past two months, our volunteers have been missed and we eagerly await their return! Thank you for continuing to support rehabilitation efforts at California Wildlife Center. Stay safe.

Explore CWC’s Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Facility

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Join us each week as we look at different areas of California Wildlife Center. This week, enjoy a look inside the Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center!

Each video comes with a children’s activity.   Click Here for an Ocean Animals word search and coloring page.

Marine Mammal’s Rocky Rescues

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By Heather Henderson, Marine Program Manager

The beaches in Malibu that comprise our marine mammal response area are beautiful. Much of their charm comes from the rocky cliffs adjacent to the glimmering Pacific Ocean. Two perfect examples of these rock formations are at Leo Carrillo and Point Dume Beaches. With their proximity to natural Sea Lion colonies (or haul out locations) along with the large number of visitors each day, it’s not surprising that our Marine Mammal team is called to these sites often to aid distressed marine animals.

CWC Staff carefully moves towards the Sea Lion pup, photo by Dayna Anthony

Every response presents unique challenges. Rock and cliff structures exponentially increase the difficulty of rescues.  Planning, communication, and executing with safety guiding each decision are key aspects to a successful rescue.  One third of our rescues this season have been atop rocky terrain.

The most challenging response this season occurred at Leo Carrillo State Beach.  A young California Sea Lion hauled out during the exceptionally high tide.  When the water receded, she was stranded on a cliff 20 feet up, surrounded by rocks covered with sharp mussels on one side and hard wet sand on the other.  Our team discussed plans for each aspect of this challenging rescue before moving into position.  Two volunteers were positioned below the animal in case she fell from the rock cliff.   Two Marine Mammal staff members climbed out on the rock towards the animal, moving slowly to not startle her off the cliff. When the moment was right, a quick grab with the net captured the Sea Lion and she was rescued without injury. Using a careful approach coupled with extensive experience reading Sea Lion behavior resulted in a successful rescue. The patient (Sea Lion #20-003) has responded well to care and has been cleared for release!

The Marine Mammal Rescue Team with a Sea Lion Pup at Sunset, photo by Jackie Aramkul

Even straight forward rescues can be challenged by the shorter winter days.  For safety reasons, we do not perform rescues in the dark.  Thus, when the marine mammal team receives late afternoon reports, efficient access and location of the animal can be the difference between offering assistance or waiting until the next morning.  We are fortunate that our state and county Lifeguards, along with members of the public are willing to meet us at the beach to aid in timely assistance for the distressed mammal. Rescues in the evening, while complicated by the low light, can lead to some beautiful photos!

CWC Sees Spate of Sea Lions with Shark Bites

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By Mike Remski, Marine Program Manager

Sea Lion in Foreground with a Shark Bite
Photo by Mackenzie Glass

The mere mention of Sharks in our coastal waters usually conjures up nightmarish images of horror movies of the past.  However, Sharks have always been in our local waters and normally don’t cause any harm — to humans that is.  But lately Shark predatory behavior has been a topic of concern when it comes to Sea Lions, specifically for the rescue team at CWC.

Normal diets of large Sharks, like the Great White and the Mako, include mammals and fish and Seals and Sea Lions are at the top of the menu.  And although this is the normal circle of life, it can be a difficult situation not only for the animals who survive an attack but for the rehabbers as well.

This past July, CWC has responded to five Sea Lions with injuries caused by sharks.  This is on par with what we would normally see in an entire year.

It’s important to understand that the increase in shark-bitten stranded Sea Lions does not necessarily reflect an increase in the number of Sharks present.  After all, we are only able to count the number of Sea Lions that survive the attack and make it to shore, while the ones that die at sea and/or become food, will not be accounted for.  Also, there is no way to tell where the attack occurred, since a wounded Sea Lion can swim many miles before beaching.

So why the increase in stranded Sea Lions with Shark bites this year?  There are a few theories, and although no one really knows for sure, it would make sense that the non-lethal bites are being delivered by young or inexperienced Sharks.  But whatever the reason, a live stranded Sea Lion suffering from Shark bites will most likely not do well without help, and that’s where CWC steps in.

Such was the case with CWC patient 19-151.  The pup stranded on June 9th with multiple wounds to her neck and hip area.  She was one of the lucky ones, as the injuries did not puncture any major arteries or destroy too much tissue.  With the help of medications and wound treatments, the CWC staff and volunteers were able to nurse her back to health.  After seven weeks of rehabilitation, she was ready to return to her ocean home and was released at Nicholas Canyon on July 31st.

Since July, these shark bite occurrences have tapered off, which is good news for the rescue team and it also seems to calm the nerves of the general public.  But as long as you’re not a Sea Lion, you really have very little to worry about.

A Crabby Seal

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By Heather Henderson, Stranding Coordinator

Elephant Seal 97 Before Treatment
Photo by Dr. Stephany Lewis

On April 24th we received a report of an Elephant Seal pup (patient #19-097) under a house on Carbon Beach. When the rescue team arrived, it was determined that she needed to come in for care because her face, particularly the nose and mouth, was severely swollen.  No obvious signs of injuries or trauma were found during the intake examination.  We suspected an allergic reaction to eating toxic red crab.

Our suspicion was confirmed when we flushed her stomach with water and crab parts came back up the feed tube.   As a result of communication and shared information throughout the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network, we knew that large quantities of these crab parts lodged in the stomach could continue to cause trouble for the Elephant Seal – even result in death.  This season, most of the Elephant Seals arriving at CWC have had a small quantity of crab parts in their stomach.  However, #19-097 presented with an extremely large quantity.

Elephant Seal 97 After Treatment Photo by Heather Henderson

During the first two weeks in care, her stomach was flushed prior to each tube feed, in order to remove the crab parts, and medication was prescribed to address the reaction.  We also delayed introducing whole food, in order to prevent overfilling or distending the stomach.  In addition to any reaction that a patient may experience, the crab parts do not pass through the GI tract quickly and may cause overfilling of the stomach, partially blocking digestion.  In extreme cases, the sharp parts can even tear the lining when able to pass.

Was our approach successful?  YES!  Currently, she weighs 60 kg and her attitude is bright.  Now able to swim down and “catch” fish competitively in the rehab pool, #97’s road to recovery is progressing well.  This Elephant Seal pup patient should find herself back in the ocean by the summer solstice.