SeaWorld releases harbor seal, sea lion

City News Service

A California sea lion and a harbor seal that were caught up in fishing lines a little over two weeks ago were returned to the ocean Tuesday after being nursed back to health by SeaWorld San Diego.

The male juvenile sea lion was rescued Oct. 13 from the beach at Coronado and the adult female harbor seal was found the next day at the Children’s Pool in La Jolla, according to Kelly Terry of SeaWorld.

She said both had fishing lines around their necks that cut deeply into their flesh. With care by veterinary specialists, the mammals regained their energy and ability to forage for food on their own, according to Terry.

Park personnel have rescued 60 marine mammals so far this year, she said.