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14 sea lions injured in chlorine attack released in Laguna Beach
After a month of treatment, 14 sea lion pups were released back into the ocean on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Authorities are still investigating an incident in which someone broke into the facility where they were being treated for malnutrition and poured chlorine into their pool, burning their eyes.
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After a month of treatment, 14 sea lion pups have been released back into the ocean in Laguna Beach on Tuesday.
The marine mammals — which were being treated for malnutrition at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center — became sick in April after someone broke in and poured chlorine into their pool, burning their eyes.
The Laguna Beach Police Department and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are still investigating the incident, according to Keith Matassa, executive director at the marine rescue center. Three of the 17 sea lion pups attacked in the pool remain at the facility for further treatment.
Staffers released the sea lions that have recovered Tuesday morning.
“It was absolutely amazing to watch all of the animals that were harmed during that incident be able to return to the wild,” Matassa told KPCC.
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center posted this video of the sea lions' release on Facebook:
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Thank you Best of Laguna Beach! It was certainly a special day! LOVE Your video!
Posted by Pacific Marine Mammal Center on Tuesday, June 2, 2015
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