Three emaciated California sea lion pups rescued from Los Angeles County beaches in April were nursed to health by the Marine Mammal Care Center and released near the Manhattan Beach Pier on May 29, 2026. Mayor Joe Franklin and volunteers celebrated as the pups, named Tortellini, Rotini, and Cavatappi, swam into the ocean after six weeks of care, highlighting the work of the region's only year-round marine mammal rehab facility.
Three sea lion pups that were once ailing but nursed back to health by the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) in San Pedro were released near the Manhattan Beach Pier on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin was present to join volunteers from MMCC in celebrating the successful return of the animals to the ocean. The release event was documented by contributing photographer Axel Koester, whose images show the pups making their way from the shore into the waves, assisted by volunteers and accompanied by the mayor.
The pups-two females named Tortellini and Rotini, and a male named Cavatappi-were rescued in mid-April from Dockweiler Beach and El Segundo, each found emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from various ailments. After approximately six weeks of intensive care at MMCC, which included tube feeding, medication for eye inflammation, and a transition to whole fish, they regained health and were deemed ready for release.
MMCC, Los Angeles' only year-round marine mammal rehabilitation center, rescues more marine mammals per mile of coastline than any other organization in the United States. The release in Manhattan Beach highlighted the center's ongoing efforts to treat and return vulnerable sea lions to their natural habitat, underscoring community involvement and wildlife conservation along the Southern California coast
Sea Lion Release Marine Mammal Care Center Manhattan Beach Wildlife Rehabilitation California Sea Lion
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