Rescued Sea Lion Pup a Repeat Offender

Nothing quite draws a crowd like the sounds and the sight of a stranded sea lion

SeaWorld San Diego rescued a sea lion pup for the second time Tuesday.

The one-year-old waddled right up to the bike path near York Court in Mission Beach.

The pup was a "repeat offender" because this is the second time he was found stranded among beach goers.

β€œThe tag does indicate we have rehabilitated him before. It's a national marine fishery tag,” Rescuer Jody Westberg said.

If it was an audience the this pup was looking for he sure got one.

Nothing quite draws a crowd like the sounds and the sight of a stranded sea lion.

β€œThis is so cool,” Neighbor Kristie Le said.

Beach goers blocked the boardwalk and prodded the pup with pillows.

β€œMy concern is to get him to safety back in the water," visitor George Saba said.

β€œI think he's been out of the water too long," neighbor Scott Shore said.

Others tried to capture the moment with their phones.

β€œIf I could just show my family I got a seal in my back yard that is pretty cool,” Le said.

β€œThis animal might have just been coming up to haul out for the night. He just happened to pick very public area,” Westberg said..

If you see a stranded animal Sea World recommends you not touch or feed it. Instead, stay a safe distance, usually 50 feet from the animal.

If you're sure the animal needs help notify an authorized animal rescue using the hotline number (800) 541-SEAL .

This makes over four hundred pup rescues this year. It's nearly three times the usual amount.

The pup was taken to SeaWorld San Diego where he's getting a check-up for before being released back into the wild .

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