Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network.

Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen
Donate
Podcasts Take Two
Why are hundreds of California seals and sea lions getting sick?
solid orange rectangular banner
()
Take Two Logo
Apr 28, 2014
Listen • 5:42
Why are hundreds of California seals and sea lions getting sick?
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito says it's taken in nearly 400 seals and sea lions since January first.
A Sea lion rests on Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf on September 11, 2013 in San Francisco. The Sea lions have become a favorite attraction for tourists who visit the area.
A Sea lion rests on Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf on September 11, 2013 in San Francisco. The Sea lions have become a favorite attraction for tourists who visit the area.
(
DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images
)

The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito says it's taken in nearly 400 seals and sea lions since January first.

Several months ago, we started hearing about an alarming number of seals and sea lions washing up on California shores either sick or dead.

No one knew exactly what was causing the health crisis for these marine mammals. If last year was bad, this year so far is even worse. The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito says it's taken in nearly 400 seals and sea lions since January first.

Joining us now to discuss what's happening is the Center's director of veterinary science, Dr. Shawn Johnson.