![]() “This motion gets at all of those questions so that when the next incident happens, we all have a clear understanding of what’s available to us,” Park said. There are still unanswered questions regarding who is available and authorized to rescue, transport and rehabilitate the animals.Ĭurrently, the Marine Mammal Care Center is the only organization approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to rescue and rehabilitate marine mammals in Los Angeles County. ![]() Park said she introduced her motion because it’s likely an algae bloom will happen again and thousands of marine mammals will be sickened, affecting not just the ecosystem but also Los Angeles communities. “It’s a sad set of circumstances, but a great opportunity for the community to unite around something that matters to us.” Park, who was closely involved in the partnership with the Marine Mammal Care Center, said her district rallied together to face the challenge and provide volunteers. Sea lions experiencing seizures or sickness due to an ongoing bloom of toxic algae have bitten or behaved aggressively toward beachgoers across Southern California, according to experts. “Having agreements in place about what to do when this happens would be best for our response and reaction time,” she said.Ĭalifornia Holiday beachgoers face an unexpected peril: aggressive, biting sea lions. She commended city leaders and the Marine Mammal Care Center for setting up the resting zone quickly, but said they could be even more efficient next time. Jordan and her community volunteered to guard the resting zone and educate the public about the crisis. Lisa Jordan, a Venice resident whose home was feet from the animal-resting zone, said it was impossible to go to the beach in her neighborhood without seeing sick marine mammals on the shore. “We had an animal welfare problem, a public safety problem and a public health problem,” Warner said of the situation. ![]() There were roughly 150 more stranded animals that it could not take in, he said. Warner said the center could care for 100 to 130 animals at a time. The resting area provided a safe space away from crowds for sick animals who could not be taken to the center due to space constraints. The Marine Mammal Care Center partnered with government officials in June to create a cordoned off resting area for seals and sea lions stranded on Venice beaches. ![]()
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