When rescuers learned that a sea lion was struggling in the Salish Sea with a piece of plastic deeply embedded around her neck, they knew they had to act fast. The operation wouldn’t be simple — it would take teamwork, precision, and the combined efforts of multiple organizations to give her a second chance at life.
Scientists from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, who were in the area studying orcas, quickly deployed a drone to search for her. When they finally spotted the sea lion, their fears were confirmed: a thick plastic strap was biting into her neck, and she appeared weak and in pain.
“We’re guessing she must have been like that for quite some time,” said Dr. James Sheppard, a scientist in recovery ecology with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
With her location confirmed, rescuers from SeaDoc Society, The Whale Museum, and veterinarians from Vancouver Aquarium mobilized to help. Working together, they carefully approached the injured sea lion and administered a light sedative — just enough to calm her but not to stop her from breathing or swimming.
“While she was in a relaxed, calm state, the team was able to get close enough to hold her alongside the boat and safely remove the packing strap,” Dr. Sheppard said.
The moment the strap came free, rescuers could see how deeply it had cut into her skin. Yet the sea lion remained composed, as if she somehow understood they were there to help.
Once the plastic was removed, the team gently released her back into the water and monitored her for over half an hour to ensure she was recovering well from the sedation. Slowly, she began to swim more confidently, her movements growing stronger with each passing minute.
“She calmly swam among the kelp for a while, then hauled herself back onto the rocks to rejoin the rest of the sea lions,” Dr. Sheppard said.
The rescue was a true display of collaboration and compassion — scientists, veterinarians, and volunteers setting aside their usual work to save a single life.
Without their quick response, the plastic would have continued to tighten around her neck, eventually costing her life. But thanks to their determination, she’s now back where she belongs — wild, free, and thriving with her colony.
Her story is a powerful reminder of how teamwork — and a little humanity — can change the course of a life forever.
