CA - 15 sea lions burned in chemical attack at OC rescue center

Keith Matassa, director of the center, said his staff became aware of the incident at 6 a.m. on April 28 when they smelled a strong odor of chlorine coming from the outside pool.

Seventeen sea lions within the enclosure were found lying on pavement that surrounds the pool. A white filmy-like substance covered the water.

Fifteen of the 17 animals had significant chemical burns on the surfaces of their eyes. Since the discovery, two center veterinarians have treated the animals around the clock; eight of the sea lions have been medically cleared, while seven others are still in intensive treatment.

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zwiebel said:

Federal officials are investigating an attack at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach which left 15 sea lions with chemical burns after someone poured chloride into their rehabilitation pool. The animals, who were all rescues from beaches in SoCal, were just about to be released back into the wild but now will have to spend another four to six weeks recovering from their injuries.



Surveillance footage has revealed a 'shadowy figure'. If criminal charges are brought, fines of up to $20,000 per animal are possible, and imprisonment.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/sea-660728-lions-center.html

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