Storm Drain Rescue

Some citizens in Playa del Rey, California were walking their dogs on the morning of May 21, 2000 and stopped at a gutter on the side of the road because their dogs were barking at the opening of the gutter. The citizens looked down into the gutter to see the big brown eyes of a young California sea lion. Citizens and Lifeguards contacted WRT and we arrived on scene within 20 minutes. We were amazed to find a young California sea lion staring and looking a bit confused out of the gutter opening. Storm drains, probably the biggest source of pollution in Santa Monica Bay run underground from Los Angeles and empty out into the ocean. This sea lion found the end of the drain offshore and swam up the drain, underground more than 1/4 mile and couldn't find its way out. The only access to rescue the animal was through a manhole cover. WRT contacted Los Angeles City Fire who responded on scene 10 minutes later. The sea lion rested at the gutter area which had a small dry area, which led into the drain which had about 3 ft. of water in it. The confused sea lion kept diving into the drain which made a rescue that much more difficult. Captain Cunningham from the Los Angeles County Lifeguards went to a local restaurant to get some anchovies to distract the sea lion so a rescue attempt could be made. After some manuvering the young sea lion was cornered by L.A. City Firefighters from Station 5, in a dry area below the manhole using WRT's herding boards. What made the rescue even more dangerous is that normal rescue equipment could not be used due to the small size of the underground area where the young sea lion was now confined to. WRT climbed down through the man hole and got in position to rescue the animal with a towel and bare hands. This "technique" should really never be used. But due to many years of experience and out of necessity it was utilized. The sea lion, while being distracted was grabbed by the neck, a towel was put over its head and was secured in the underground area. (The neck grab does not hurt the sea lion at all or this technique would never be used) The 100lb. sea lion was then lifted up through the manhole to Captain Cunningham and Fire dept. personel. After an evaluation by WRT it was decided that the sea lion should be immediatly set free. The rescuers escorted WRT and the sea lion to the beach. The transportation cage was set on the beach and the door was opened. The young sea lion took one sniff, looked from side to side and then made a dash to the ocean. Swimming strong through the surf the sea lion never looked back. It was very satisfying experience for all involved.