According to the California Wildlife Center, at least 14 sea lions fell ill on the coast of Malibu due to toxins caused by harmful algae blooms.
In the past five days, Team at the California Wildlife Center According to reports from social media posts, there were responses to calls from at least 14 sick sea lions. According to the animal’s behavior, experts believe that sea lions are sick due to exposure to dioxa acid.
Polysaccharide is a neurotoxin produced by the flowering of harmful algae that accumulates in filter-feeding fish, including anchovies and sardines. The fish were then eaten by seals, sea lions and dolphins.
A similar outbreak is Recorded last summer On the coast of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, there are more than 70 sea lions as well as two dolphins and two seals.
Exposure can damage the brain and heart of mammals. Symptoms include epilepsy, a state of initiating head movements called “stargazing” and coma. Experts advise humans not to interact with animals considered sick because they may bite or lunge without warning.
These animals can be treated, but moving sick sea lions to the facility can be difficult, as adult females can weigh 250 pounds and adult males can reach up to 1,000 pounds, requiring several people to move each animal.
“Malibu residents, tourists and other residents are advised to keep distance from animals on the beach and call our Marines (310) 924-7256 for help from animals in distress,” said the Wildlife Center.
