SeaWorld Rescue Teams Save 43,000th Animal Since 1965

A tiny, emaciated sea lion pup clinging to life became the 43,000th animal rescued by SeaWorld teams since the program began in 1965.

The nearly one-year-old female pup was discovered on the back stairs of a beach house in Carlsbad, California, barely able to move. She was severely dehydrated and malnourished when SeaWorld San Diego's rescue team arrived.

Today, she's learning to eat fish on her own while receiving fluids and formula at the SeaWorld Rescue Center. The milestone rescue happened earlier this month, marking a major achievement for one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world.

SeaWorld operates rescue teams in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio that work 24 hours a day, every single day of the year. These teams respond to calls about dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and aquatic birds in distress.

"Our rescue teams, like all of our zoological professionals, are made up of compassionate and skilled animal care specialists who devote countless hours to helping animals in need," said Dr. Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer at United Parks & Resorts.

The Ripple Effect

The rescue work extends far beyond emergency response. Earlier this year, a manatee named Melby captured hearts across Florida after being pulled from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach.

SeaWorld Orlando's team rehabilitated Melby until he gained more than 100 pounds. When he was released back into the wild on April 7, crowds gathered to celebrate his recovery.

His story inspired a local mother to write a children's book about resilience. One rescue, one animal at a time, these teams are showing what's possible when people dedicate themselves to protecting vulnerable wildlife.

Over 43,000 animals now have a second chance at life because someone answered the call.