But no, unfortunately this is not a joke, but something deadly serious, as what prompted this sea lion pup to make such bold move was starvation. It was taken to SeaWorld’s animal rescue center, and experts are cautiously optimistic about her recovery.
According to The Guardian, there has been a surge in sea lion mortality over the past year, with marine biologists collecting thousands of sick, starving, stranded or dead pups. So far this year, SeaWorld has rescued 47 sea lions and other marine mammals. Scientists say the animals’ food supply has been affected by higher-than-normal ocean temperatures linked to El Niño.
via The Guardian