Hundreds of sea lions are washing up along the Southern California coast, alarming marine biologists and animal rescue workers. Full Story: California has a sea lion problem. More than 1,400 of them are stranded and starving on beaches. Most of them are pups. Experts are unsure of what's caused these record numbers to turn up on the shores since ths start of the year. Some say it's because of this winter's El Nino weather effect, which has warmed ocean temperatures and caused a scarcity of fish. Sea lion mothers are therefore having to leave their young behind for longer periods while they hunt for food. More than 300 of those rescued have been brought here, to Marine Mammal Centre, which says its facilities are nearly full. [David Bard, Coordinator of the Marine Mammal Center]: "We're doing everything we can to work with rescue agencies and bring in as many patients as we can. The fact of the matter is this year, because of the inordinate numbers, we're not going to be able... ( More) |
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