More than 90 sea lion pups were found malnourished and dehydrated this year with the numbers on the rise, NBC reported.
While many are falling ill in the winter, Marine Mammal Care Center's director, Dave Bard, doesn't know why they're becoming sick but predicts the number is expected to exceed 100 this week alone. They normally see numbers in the teens.
The pups tend to get sick from fishing gear or consuming debris from the ocean
Patch.com reported on a pup, named Rigby hid from rescuers in a flowerpot. He was among the many that washed up severely malnourished and on the brink of death in Orange County.
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center, PMMC, also reported and increase in sea lion pups washing ashore highly dehydrated and malnourished. The Center put out a call for donations and extra volunteers on their latest cases to prepare the fish for the sea lions.
Currently 40 sea lions are recovering in their care, compared to six from last year, according to Melissa Sciacca, PMMC's director of development.
Rigby is reportedly doing better and eating fish. His demure nature is far different from the other pups they've come across.
Overall, the PMMC has treated more than 100 sea lion pups. In addition to seeking help on preparing the fish, they want to educate visitors about the negative impact of pollution to marine life.
The "Meals for Seals" is a Marine Mammal Sponsorship Program that allows donors to help give medical care to sea lions rescued, so they can be rehabilitated and released. Participants will also have the opportunity to watch the release.
Sponsorship starts at $150 for individuals or groups and sponsors who want to donate $600 can get more updates on the seal and a $1400 sponsorship treats three marine mammals. Sponsors can even visit their animals daily.
