Ailing sea lion on the beach
An urgent response
Earlier this month, Seal Sitters hotline received a startling report: a California sea lion had just hauled out at Lincoln Park.
Sea lions are commonly seen swimming and “sailing” past the shores of West Seattle or hauled out on buoys in Elliot Bay. At the news that a sea lion was ashore just yards from a busy path at a popular park, Seal Sitters quickly mobilized.
First Responder Mike was first to arrive, followed by First Responders Dori and Suzanne. They quickly set up a perimeter, kept off-leash dogs away, and settled down to watch.
What they observed was a thin and listless animal, with hind quarters curled in a semi-fetal position. Lacking the sagittal crest of an adult male, this California sea lion was either female or, more likely in Puget Sound, a juvenile male.
Seal Sitters requested a health assessment from a marine mammal veterinarian. Dr Stephanie arrived just as the sea lion went into the water, but after volunteers shared photos and descriptions, Dr Stephanie agreed that the animal was possibly suffering from uro-genital cancer or leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that often results in renal disease in California sea lions.The bacteria is spread through direct contact with a sick animal or contaminated soil or water; it can be transmitted to humans and pets. There are periodic outbreaks of leptospirosis in California sea lions and 2025 appears to be another peak year.
California sea lion leaving Lincoln Park beach.
“Zeus”
Amazingly, the alert beachgoer Bree, who witnessed the sea lion emerging from the water, had moved to West Seattle only 3 days earlier. Bree said, “I am passionate about marine mammal ecology and wanted to live in a place where I can be by nature.” She nicknamed the “tenacious and vulnerable young animal” (in First Responder Dori’s description) “Zeus.”
Bree joined Seal Sitters Beach Volunteers Kristen, Adam and Theresa in protecting and monitoring Zeus. Scheduler Abigail helped round up the volunteers. After five hours on the beach, Zeus re-entered the Salish Sea and swam slowly away. The next day, the sea lion was spotted nearby in shallow waters but has not been seen again.
