February 5, 2016
La Jolla's
Marine Room had an unexpected visitor this week. Employees found a malnourished sea lion pup sleeping in a booth at the restaurant when they came in to open on the morning of Thursday, February 4. Was he waiting for some delicious seafood from Chef Bernard Guillas? A high-tide brunch, perhaps?
The tiny sea lion was found seated near a window with prime ocean views and employees immediately called SeaWorld for assistance, which took the pup to its rescue center for care. Marine Room representatives believe that the animal entered the restaurant in the morning hours through a backdoor left ajar by the cleaning crew.
The female pup is eight months old and weighs only 20 pounds, less than half the normal size for its age. SeaWorld staff is "guardedly optimistic" they can nurse it back to health and return the animal to the wild. The little sea lion was given the name "Marina" by members of the SeaWorld team.
