Sea Lion Named Confetti Makes Remarkable Recovery After Being Shot Twice in the Head
A rescued sea lion is showing incredible resilience as he recovers at a Los Angeles marine care centre, after veterinarians discovered he had been shot twice in the head. The animal, named Confetti, was rescued from Ballona Creek in Marina del Rey on 5th January 2024 and is now on a hopeful path toward potential release back into the wild.
Discovery of Bullet Wounds and Serious Health Issues
The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles announced the sea lion's rescue and subsequent treatment in a detailed Facebook post. During initial medical examinations, skull X-rays revealed the presence of two bullets lodged in Confetti's head. This shocking discovery indicated that this was not the first time the animal had narrowly escaped death, according to centre officials.
In addition to the gunshot wounds, Confetti tested positive for leptospirosis, a serious bacterial infection that affects kidneys and can prove fatal if left untreated. The centre noted that the sea lion also showed concerning liver abnormalities in bloodwork results, complicating his recovery process.
Critical Early Days and Gradual Improvement
When Confetti first arrived at the care centre, veterinary experts described him as markedly lethargic and showing no interest in food. He remained in this concerning state for several days, with medical staff growing increasingly worried about his poor condition and lack of improvement.
The turning point came on the fourth day of care, when Confetti began moving around more and showing increased alertness. By day seven, he successfully chased and ate live fish, and the following day he was consuming herring - significant milestones in his recovery journey.
Expert Assessment and Release Prospects
Dave Bader, a marine biologist with the Marine Mammal Care Center, provided an encouraging update on Confetti's condition. "All indications are he's looking really good," Bader stated. "There's a really great chance he's going to get released. He's a beautiful big boy. He's still got a lot more room to grow. He's just an amazing animal."
Bader noted that Confetti's typical behaviour had been "lying down looking sickly" but that he now "looked like he was feeling better" and had shown definite signs of improvement.
Disturbing Pattern of Violence Against Marine Mammals
The care centre emphasised that finding sea lions that have been shot by humans is unfortunately not unusual, highlighting the prevalence of violence these animals face. While many die from such attacks, some, like Confetti, manage to survive against the odds.
Bader revealed that the centre has documented 10 confirmed animals with gunshot wounds in 2024 alone, with four recorded last year. However, these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as the centre doesn't X-ray every animal and only treats mammals that have survived their injuries.
"It's horrifying," Bader commented about the gunshot incidents, "but these animals are incredibly tough and resilient." Some mammals suffering bullet wounds experience impaired vision due to shots in the head, creating additional challenges for their survival in the wild.
Broader Context of Marine Mammal Health Challenges
Confetti's recovery offers a glimmer of hope after what has been a particularly difficult year for sea lions along the southern California coast. Last spring saw an unusually high number of disoriented mammals appearing along the shoreline, sickened by a widespread toxic algae bloom that affected marine life throughout the region.
The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles operates year-round rescue services across the entire Los Angeles county coastline, from Malibu to Long Beach. Their work involves responding to distressed animals, providing medical treatment, and rehabilitating those that can be returned to their natural habitat.
Confetti's story highlights both the challenges facing marine mammals in urban coastal environments and the dedicated efforts of rescue organisations working to protect these vulnerable creatures. His ongoing recovery serves as a testament to animal resilience and the importance of marine conservation efforts in populated coastal areas.
