The California sea lion who was rescued in January in Mountain View has been released back into the wild.
Known as “Babymac,” he was just a pup when he was found in the road, malnourished, near Google Headquarters. Babymac was required to gain weight and pass a health exam earlier this month before being cleared for exit from the Marine Mammal Center hospital in Sausalito. He was released into the wild at Chimney Rock in Point Reyes National Seashore on March 20.
“Thanks to the quick response and actions of the city of Mountain View Police Department, this young sea lion was given a second chance at life,” said Dr. Emily Whitmer, clinical veterinarian at the Marine Mammal Center, in a press release. “As a roughly 6-month-old pup who likely separated from his mother early, this animal had a long road to recovery due to his severe malnutrition. We are thrilled Babymac made such positive strides in recovery and was able to be released back to his ocean home.”
Babymac was located on the morning of Monday, Jan. 5, by officers from the Mountain View Police Department in a parking lot at 2025 Garcia Ave. Where he was found was considered a dangerous location and far from where he ought to have been.
“It’s hypothesized, but not confirmed, that based on the rescue location, this young animal likely ventured up Charleston or Mountain View Slough via San Francisco Bay before making its way to Garcia Avenue. Whether it was following a food source or just took a wrong turn is unknown,” read an emailed statement from the Marine Mammal Center.
Babymac was collected in Mountain View and transported to the Marine Mammal Center’s animal hospital in Sausalito. He was diagnosed with severe malnutrition, intestinal unrest and maternal separation after being observed as lethargic.
Officials with the mammal center were intent on setting Babymac on the path to recovery, despite concerns about his ability to find food and maintain a healthy weight in the open ocean due to underdeveloped foraging skills. He first spent a week in an intensive care quarantine with a sea lion of similar age. From there, he was moved to a rehabilitation pool pen. Meals started off as fish smoothies several times a day, and later graduated to small whole herring, squid and anchovies.
Babymac was deemed healthy to return to the ocean following his more than two-month recovery.
“This call serves as a reminder that no two days in policing are ever the same. Whether responding to emergencies, assisting community members, or protecting wildlife, Mountain View Police Department officers remain prepared to serve in whatever capacity the job requires,” said Monica Leon, spokesperson for the Mountain View Police Department, in an email in January.
The Marine Mammal Center reminds the public that if they see a marine mammal in distress, they should keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet and call the center’s response hotline at (415) 289-SEAL (7325).
