𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘: Three Rehabilitated Pups Return to the Ocean at Venice Beach

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026 — Three rehabilitated California sea lion pups were released back into the Pacific Ocean at Venice Beach after several weeks of treatment and recovery through the Marine Mammal Care Center. The public release event drew a crowd of beachgoers, volunteers, photographers, wildlife supporters, and local officials as staff carefully transported the young sea lions from their carriers to the sand before guiding them back toward the shoreline. The Marine Mammal Care Center, based in San Pedro, is the only NOAA-authorized year-round marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility serving Los Angeles County, covering more than 70 miles of coastline from Malibu to Long Beach, including Catalina Island. Since opening in 1992, the nonprofit has treated thousands of stranded sea lions, seals, and other marine mammals, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and returning healthy animals to the wild. John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, said the event represented more than a simple animal release. “Today is about more than just a patient release,” Warner told the crowd. “It’s a reminder of what can happen when we all come together on behalf of something bigger than ourselves—when care and science and compassion all intersect to give these animals a second chance at life.” Warner described each release as a symbol of resilience for both the animals and the coastline they depend on, adding that “our ocean needs advocates” and thanking supporters, volunteers, lifeguard partners, and community members for helping protect marine life. Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park also attended the event and highlighted the broader environmental issues affecting marine life along the coast, including pollution, runoff, domoic acid exposure, and offshore drilling concerns. “We’re not simply releasing three sea lion pups, but we’re witnessing the full arc of rescue, rehabilitation, and return to the wild,” Park said. She noted that many animals treated by the center suffer from toxic algae blooms, pollution, entanglement, and the long-term effects of human activity on coastal waters. Park also referenced the impact of the recent Palisades Fire, noting that ash, debris, and runoff entered storm drains and eventually reached the ocean. “That pollution doesn’t simply vanish,” she said. “It shows up in the ecosystem and often in the animals the Marine Mammal Care Center is working to save.” The three patients—Mogul, Bronze, and Missouri—had each been rescued earlier this spring after being found malnourished, underweight, and too young to survive on their own. Mogul, a male California sea lion pup rescued near the Windward Yacht Center in Marina del Rey on March 14, had been repeatedly pushed off a dock and was observed without his mother. Marine Mammal Care Center volunteers noted he was underweight and too young to survive independently. After six weeks of care, including tube feeding and nutritional rehabilitation, Mogul regained strength and was cleared for release. Bronze, rescued near the King Harbor Yacht Club in Redondo Beach on March 15, was also found severely underweight and too young to be without maternal care. Initially tube-fed a fish mixture, Bronze later transitioned to whole fish and more than doubled in size during rehabilitation before being approved for release. Missouri, rescued from a jetty in Marina del Rey on March 24, was described as severely emaciated, with ribs and shoulder blades visibly pronounced beneath his fur. Following weeks of treatment and feeding support, Missouri regained his strength and was deemed healthy enough to return to the wild. Dr. Michelle Ravard, Director of Animal Health and Conservation at the center, said the pups were all less than 30 pounds when they were rescued and had each more than doubled their body weight during rehabilitation. “They were separated from their moms a little bit too early before they knew how to forage on their own,” she explained. “They’ve easily doubled their body weight and are ready to get released back into the ocean.” Marine Mammal Care Center staff coordinated the release with volunteers and safety personnel, creating a protected viewing area for the public while ensuring the animals had a clear path back to the ocean. As the gates opened and the pups made their way across the sand, spectators watched quietly as the three sea lions returned to the water—marking the final step in their rehabilitation journey. Park closed her remarks with a simple message to the returning animals: “To these three sea lions—welcome home.” Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance across the Westside, including wildlife conservation efforts along the Southern California coastline.