SeeCalifornia.com

Barnabie, the emaciated sea lion pup rescued from the ocean near Seal Beach Pier on Jan 3, 2015, passed away at Laguna Beach’s Pacific Marine Mammal Center (pacificmmc.org). A man taking a walk near the pier saw the little pup struggling and gasping. ‘Lucky’ John Domigue hadn’t been in the Pacific Ocean for nearly a decade but his compassionate, caring nature caused him to react and enter the icy water fully dressed, including wearing his shoes. So strong was the current that it knocked the rescuer down once before he got up and made a second attempt to retrieve the sea lion. Barnabie, the sickly female pup, weighed 21 pounds–a mere fraction of the normal weight for the pup. While the care center is filled with success stories, Barnabie’s short life ended 11 days later on Jan. 14, according to a spokesperson at the Center. Expected to take three months to gain weight and recover, little Barnabie’s condition was described initially as “guarded.” Care facilities along the California coast are experiencing a busy year with dozens of rescued pups in their care. Many need food and some require medications for infections. If you see a sea lion that you believe is in distress, be sure to get a picture that you can email to a facility for evaluation.