SeaWorld San Diego returned a rescued Guadalupe fur seal back to the ocean, along with a satellite transmitter to aid research into one of the least-studied seal species.
The emaciated and wounded animal was was rescued on April 18 at Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado. Caretakers at SeaWorld’s Animal Health and Rescue Center treated the seal with fluids, antibiotics and supportive care, and fed him a nutrient-rich diet of capelin, sardines and herring, doubling the animal’s weight.
Before being released on Friday, the seal was was outfitted with a satellite transmitter by a scientist
from the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.
Researchers hope to gain crucial data about where the animal travels, spends time foraging for food, and ultimately thrives in the ocean.
So far in 2019, SeaWorld San Diego has cared for more than 550 ill, injured and stranded marine animals, including sea lions, seals, turtles and birds.
