SeaWorld Rescue Center Treats Pelicans and Sea Lions for Toxic Algae Poisoning

Toxic Algae Affecting Marine Life

• 💡 Pelicans exhibiting a distinctive weaving head motion are afflicted with toxic algae.
• ⚠️ This condition, known as domoic acid poisoning, is believed to be exacerbated by runoff from recent wildfires.

Pelican Rehabilitation at SeaWorld

• 🌡️ Sick pelicans at the SeaWorld Rescue Center receive heated red lamp therapy to aid their recovery.
• 💧 They are also sedated and hydrated, with handlers carefully administering food and medication through their beaks.

Sea Lion Rescue Efforts

• 🌊 The rescue center is currently caring for 87 sick sea lions in addition to the pelicans.
• 🚑 A rescue team, with assistance from local lifeguards, successfully saved a weak female sea lion exhibiting seizures.
• 🏥 Upon arrival at SeaWorld, the sea lion received emergency medical treatment, including medication and an ultrasound, with the goal of flushing toxins and managing her symptoms.

Hope for Recovery and Release

• 🩺 Another rescued sea lion pup, a young one, shows promising signs of recovery due to her barking with energy.
• 🎯 The ultimate goal for all rescued animals, including pelicans and sea lions, is their release back into the wild.