SeaWorld® San Diego rescues, rehabilitates and returns harbor seals each year that strand along Southern California beaches. About 85% of the rescued animals are injured, orphaned or ill pinnipeds -- especially California sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals. Many of the rescued animals are weaned pups or yearlings that were dehydrated and emaciated due to an inability to find enough food. At SeaWorld® San Diego's Animal Care Facility, these animals are given fluids and any necessary medical care. Usually after a couple months of steady food and care, they are healthy and ready to be returned back to their natural environment. Newborn pups are also rescued, and it is often necessary for them to be hand raised by the animal care staff in a two- to three-month long process. It begins with tube feeding a special high-fat formula, teaching the pups to bottle feed, and then weaning the pups onto fish. Check out our latest story of a newborn harbor seal, nicknamed Elf. He was rescued just before Christmas, hand raised by our animal care staff, and successfully returned back to the ocean! If you see a marine mammal that you think might be in need of help, notify a lifeguard, park ranger or the local marine mammal rescue facility, such as SeaWorld® San Diego. The hotline for the SeaWorld® Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program is (800) 541-SEAL. Check out other Parks & Entertainment Properties SeaWorld®.com: http://bit.ly/1986sqY Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark™.com: http://bit.ly/1fVhKnn DiscoveryCove®.com: http://bit.ly/1kzNTEc BuschGardens®.com: http://bit.ly/1kzNWzH SesamePlace®.com: http://bit.ly/1idYfKh Explore SeaWorld®Kids.com: http://bit.ly/1d3RFCl Join our Social Media for more information from SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment Twitter: http://bit.ly/1heQ3q8 Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1f2v4FE Flicker: http://bit.ly/1fl82ur Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1hXpp83 SeaWorld® Insider Blog: http://bit.ly/JsTJZu

• published: 08 Mar 2013
• views: 7210