A rescue team from SeaWorld San Diego returned a pair of fur seals back to the wild Thursday after many weeks of nursing them back to health.
According to SeaWorld, the two male seals were rescued on different days back in May. They were found emaciated, malnourished and dehydrated in the water.
One of the mammals, a 15.5-pound Guadalupe fur seal, was discovered off Imperial Beach. The other seal – a 16.5-pound mixed species – was found with a swollen rear flipper.
SeaWorld said in-house veterinarians were able to treat the latter seal's swollen flipper with antibiotics.
They’ve been giving both seals hydration fluids and a nutrient-rich diet of sardines, capelin and herring so they could gain weight for their healthy return to the wild.
On Thursday, SeaWorld said the seals were returned to the waters off the coast of San Diego weighing 42-pounds and 23-pounds, respectively.
In hopes of learning more about the seals and their movements, SeaWorld said research scientists from Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute outfitted each seal with a satellite transmitter.
Scientists hope to track the seals’ progress as they venture back into their natural habitat.
According to SeaWorld, the transmitters will probably dislodge from the seals in about two months.
So far this year, SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program has rescued and cared for 100 marine mammals.
Follow NBCSanDiego for the latest news, weather, and events: iPad App | iPhone App | Android App | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | RSS | Text Alerts | Email Alerts