An injured sea lion known as Marc is proving to be a slippery patient. In an update today, SeaWorld San Diego’s rescue team said Marc is still on the move, venturing into risky cliff areas and hanging out near other sea lion colonies, making a safe capture tricky. The park is asking residents and beachgoers to give him plenty of space while crews track his movements and wait for a moment when a rescue can be done safely.
SeaWorld's update
In a Facebook post today, SeaWorld San Diego’s rescue team said Marc has been very mobile, turning up on unstable cliffs and close to other sea lion groups, and that attempts to grab him have been called off when he shifted into spots that were too dangerous. The team also noted that its rescue hotline has been flooded with calls and voicemails about Marc, and thanked the public for keeping their distance and sharing accurate, real-time details. You can read the full update on SeaWorld San Diego's Facebook post.
How rescuers are responding
According to SeaWorld, the rescue team is closely tracking where Marc shows up and is coordinating with local lifeguards, California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers and NOAA to line up a rescue that does not put people or animals at extra risk. The park says it is prioritizing reports from people who currently have eyes on Marc and plans to step in when the moment is right for a safe capture. SeaWorld’s rescue page lists the San Diego stranding hotline as 1‑800‑541‑SEAL and asks callers to share precise locations along with photos taken from a safe distance.
Why getting close is dangerous
Federal and park guidance say that walking up to an injured marine mammal can further stress the animal, put people in danger and disrupt nearby colonies. Observers are urged to stay about 100 yards away and keep pets on a leash. NOAA Fisheries advises that people report the exact location, note the time they saw the animal and send clear photos rather than trying to move or touch it. Rescuers say Marc’s habits near cliffs and other sea lions raise the stakes, which is why they are sticking with a coordinated and patient approach.
What to watch for
SeaWorld’s message comes during seasonal bumps in strandings that have, in past years, driven up rescue numbers along the coast. Local coverage has pointed to similar spikes before and highlighted the park’s request that the public call its hotline instead of stepping in themselves; 10News reported on those patterns. For now, crews say they are keeping tabs on Marc around the clock and will only attempt a rescue when it can be done safely for both the sea lion and the people trying to help him.
