International Animal Rescue (IAR) gears up to celebrate World Oceans Day (8th June) by sharing their recent rescue story of ‘Pickle’ the sea lion. This harrowing tale highlights the crucial need for ocean conservation and animal protection.
IAR Costa Rica, a branch of the organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals, successfully completed their first recorded sea lion rescue and release. While sea lions are not native to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, they occasionally appear due to shifting ocean currents from the Galapagos or California.
Francisco Sánchez Murillo, Veterinary Director of IAR Costa Rica, recounts the rescue, stating, “A few days ago, we received a distress call about a sea lion in need. Our team at IAR Costa Rica immediately sprang into action. We treated the animal for minor wounds and removed external parasites from its tail. After a thorough health assessment, including a full blood work, a marine mammal expert from Costa Rica deemed the sea lion fit to return to the wild, and that’s exactly what we did.”
Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, expresses his thoughts on the rescue, saying, “This rescue is a significant milestone for our team in Costa Rica, but it also serves as a moment to reflect on the state of our changing ocean. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and all the creatures that depend on them. We are thrilled to have been able to help this sea lion back to health and return it to the ocean in such a timely manner.”
According to Sánchez Murillo, sea lions play a critical role as “sentinel species” due to their high position in the food chain and long lifespans. They are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollutants, providing valuable insights into the health of our oceans.
Thanks to expert care and collaboration with marine specialists, the sea lion has been successfully released back into the wild. This World Oceans Day, IAR celebrates not only a successful rescue and release but also a renewed dedication to protecting the ocean and its incredible biodiversity.
For more information on IAR’s marine conservation efforts or to support their cause, please visit their website at www.internationalanimalrescue.org.
