Billfish Conservation Project supports Sea lion release in Guatemala!
In May 2023, we received a disoriented California sea lion at the Marine Conservation Center AGHN (CCM) located in Aldea Madre Vieja, Taxisco. After a comprehensive medical evaluation by the veterinarians at La Aurora Zoo, the diagnosis was pneumonia and low weight (80kg).
Immediately, a treatment plan was initiated for the respiratory infection, along with deworming, vitamin administration, and a special diet to increase its weight.The sea lion was placed in a temporary enclosure at the CCM, specially adapted for monitoring and care, designed specifically for this case.
After nine months of careful attention from the La Aurora Zoo team and the Marine Conservation Center, the sea lion is now active and in optimal health. Its current weight is 150 kg, and it is ready to return to its natural environment on february 22, 2024.
With the support of Pacific Fins Resort and the Bilfish Conservation project, the specimen was transported on a yacht offshore, heading north and as close as possible to the currents that guide it to its usual habitat.
The release of the California sea lion was a complete success. We are very pleased to have rehabilitated it and returned it to its natural habitat. The release was carried out with the support of CONAP.
Pictures taken by: FamphotGT
