Shedd Aquarium Lends a Hand for Rescue and Rehabilitation of California Pinnipeds

Members of the animal care and animal health teams at Shedd Aquarium spent two weeks providing extra support at the start of the busy season for marine mammal strandings on the coastline of California. In partnership with Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI), a nonprofit essentially an all-volunteer organization that leads year-round efforts responding to wildlife in need, Shedd’s care team assisted with rehabilitation care for around 50 rescued California pinnipeds – sea lions and seals.

Alongside volunteers at the rescue facility, Shedd’s caretakers assisted with prepping food, administering medication, feeding the animals, cleaning the habitats and more. Additionally, the aquarium’s team also assisted with and witnessed two releases for animals that recovered and regained a healthy weight to return to the wild. Even for animals that were not yet released, team members witnessed the progression and progress from CIMWI’s rehabilitation efforts.

“While the days were long, the work was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, and I was able to dive right into the care of these marine mammals by taking my first-hand knowledge, skills and efforts from caring for sea lions at the aquarium to apply towards these rehabilitation efforts,” said Corine Gilbert, senior trainer at Shedd Aquarium.

There can be a variety of reasons why a wild animal might be stranded and need rescue, including injury, illness and malnutrition. As waters continue to warm due to climate change, it can cause the main food source for pinnipeds to move further for colder temperatures, which leads to mothers leaving pups longer to hunt for food. Or, in some cases, pups can face challenges getting the necessary nutrition on their own after being weaned from their mothers. Climate change may also shift the migration patterns of predators, which can contribute to an uptick in injuries. As animals face increasing threats, facilities like CIMWI continue to provide the necessary care to ensure their survival.

Through this type of partnership between a volunteer-run rescue facility and an accredited aquarium, the teams share their experience and skills and participate in cross-training opportunities. This is invaluable and has a positive impact on both organizations’ ongoing conservation efforts.

“One of my favorite parts of my experience at CIMWI was meeting the volunteers; it was evident how passionate they are about animals and the collective work,” said Lexi Nix, senior veterinary technician at Shedd Aquarium. “The impact you have is tangible, especially when you get to see a release of a healthy seal back to its natural habitat.”

“As a smaller nonprofit organization, Shedd Aquarium’s support and involvement on the front lines responding to rescued marine mammals is invaluable,” said Ruth Dover, managing director at CIMWI. “The aquarium has been there for CIMWI each time we’ve experienced a crisis affecting these sentinels. Whether it’s been a harmful algal bloom, unusual mortality event or influx of starving animals, Shedd has been the first to answer our call for help.”

At Shedd, guests can come face-to-face with rescued California sea lions like Cruz and Laguna who got a second chance at life after being deemed non-releasable by officials and receiving a home at the aquarium. Anyone inspired to make an impact can donate directly to CIMWI or Shedd Aquarium. Further, people can speak up for climate action, clean up the environment, eat sustainably and more to protect the blue planet for animals and people alike.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and video here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e6f668b5e6373b4a79a&C=50.
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez or ©CIMWI (Please refer to the labeled folders)
Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium