Sea Lion Named Confetti Recovers in Los Angeles After Marine Centre Discovers Two Bullets in His Head
A rescued sea lion is making a remarkable recovery in Los Angeles after a marine care centre discovered he had two bullets embedded in his head. The sea lion, named Confetti, was rescued from Ballona Creek in Marina del Rey on 5 January 2024, according to the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles.
Rescue and Initial Diagnosis
Confetti was found in Ballona Creek, a watershed connected to Santa Monica Bay, in early January. Upon arrival at the centre, he was markedly lethargic and showed no interest in food, rarely moving. Veterinary experts immediately placed him on supportive medications, antibiotics, and fluids to address dehydration.
During initial examinations, skull X-rays revealed the shocking presence of two bullets in his head. The centre stated this indicated "this was actually the second time he had narrowly escaped death". Additionally, Confetti tested positive for leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that affects the kidneys and can be fatal if untreated.
Progress and Recovery Journey
After a concerning first few days with little improvement, Confetti began to show signs of recovery on day four in care. By day seven, he successfully chased and ate live fish, and the following day, he was consuming herring. The centre noted his bloodwork showed concerning liver abnormalities, but his resilience has been encouraging.
Dave Bader, a marine biologist with the centre, reported that Confetti "looked like he was feeling better" and had shown significant improvement from his initial sickly appearance. Bader expressed optimism about his release, stating, "All indications are he's looking really good ... There's a really great chance he's going to get released."
Broader Context of Violence Against Marine Mammals
The case highlights a disturbing pattern of violence against sea lions along the California coast. The centre reported that finding sea lions that have been shot by humans is not unusual, with many dying from such injuries. Bader confirmed the centre saw 10 confirmed animals with gunshot wounds in 2024 and four in the previous year, though the actual number is likely higher as not every animal receives X-rays.
Some mammals suffering bullet wounds experience impaired vision when shot in the head. "It's horrifying ... but these animals are incredibly tough and resilient," Bader added. The centre, which conducts rescues year-round across the Los Angeles county coastline from Malibu to Long Beach, only treats surviving animals and doesn't track the full scope of shooting incidents.
Environmental Challenges and Hope
Confetti's recovery comes after a difficult year for sea lions in southern California. Last spring, an unusually high number of disoriented mammals appeared along the coast, sickened by a toxic algae bloom. Despite these challenges, Confetti's progress offers hope. The centre described him as "a beautiful big boy" with "still a lot more room to grow", celebrating his survival as a testament to marine mammals' endurance against human-inflicted harm and natural threats.
