An ill sea lion that was found on Moonstone Beach in Cambria last week had to be euthanized, according to The Marine Mammal Center.
Trained responders from the Center picked up the sea lion on July 22, and it was humanely euthanized by veterinarians at the Center's Sausalito hospital on July 24.
Officials at The Marine Mammal Center say a necropsy determined the animal was suffering from severe malnutrition, suspected domoic acid poisoning, and an infected wound near her right eye that had perforated through her nasal cavity and prohibited her from effectively diving for food.
If you see a seal or sea lion in distress, call The Marine Mammal Center's rescue hotline at 415-289-SEAL (7325).
