A California sea lion was rescued with wounds that appear to be from a pellet gun. Sadly, she had to be euthanized.
The female was rescued Monday, December 16, after Pacific Marine Mammal Center was notified by Newport Beach Animal Control. She had two wounds, one on her dorsal back and two more gunshots to her chest.
The two and half-year-old sea lion, named Mandalorian by rescuers, was monitored for a week until it was decided she was better off humanely euthanized on December 22.
"Unfortunately, what we saw is taking place up and down the Pacific Coast. These are disgusting and intentional acts, many of which are pre-meditated. We know there are many out there that feel like they are competing with the sea lions for the same resources. However, there's a pathway for us to cohabitate with these precious marine mammals, and shooting them is not the way." said Peter Chang, CEO at PMMC.