Sea lion rescue centres are struggling to cope after hundreds of starving pups washed up on beaches in California.At least 1,100 have been stranded since January, in what experts are calling in one of the worst stranding events in recent memory.According to NBC News and other reports, the number could be even higher, closer to 1,600. It is not unusual to have some sea lions wash up each spring as the pups leave their mothers, but so far, the number of stranded babies is five times greater than in 2013, the worst season in recent memory."These animals are coming in really desperate. They're at the end of life. They're in a crisis, said Keith A Matassa, executive director at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
"And not all animals are going to make it."
Furthermore, sea lions usually show up in large numbers in April or May, but this year some started washing up as early as December.The situation is so bad that Sea World suspended its sea lion show so it can focus on rescue effort. The theme park has treated 400 pups - more than twice the number it would care for in a typical year - and constructed two temporary pools to house them.
"Most of them came into us approximately 20-30 pounds, at this age they should all weigh between 45-60 pounds," said Jeff Hall of the California Wildlife Center.The crisis is likely caused by warmer water in the Pacific, experts say.The waters are currently two to five degrees warmer than normal for this time of year, causing prey to swim deeper and out of reach for young sea lions.
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