Sea Lion Pup Found In Yacht Club Kitchen On The Path To Full Recovery

REDONDO BEACH, CA — A emaciated sea lion pup that took refuge in the Redondo Beach King's Harbor Yacht Club kitchen is on his way to full recovery, staff at the Los Angeles Marine Mammal Care Center said.

The MMCC has been housing the 6-7 month-old sea lion — nicknamed King — since he was found one fateful stormy night last month. Since being treated at the rehabilitation center, staff said he has been eating well and chowing down about six pounds of fish a day.

"King, the California sea lion pup, who was found in a restaurant is on the path to full recovery!" MMCC staff said in a recent newsletter. "As you may remember, he was extremely malnourished and skinny. Luckily, our MMCC Community has stepped up to the plate for King."

MMCC staff Veterinarian Lauren Palmer said that the pup needed to be tube-fed when he first arrived, but with the help of community donations and social media shares, there have been enough resources to get King feeling his best.

Recently, staff said King has been moved to a pen with other sea lion pups, which is a huge step for the young sea lion's social development. King will remain at the facility until he is healthy enough to be released back into the ocean, which Palmer said could take six to eight weeks.