PUERTO VALLARTA – On Wednesday afternoon, the Marine Mammal Research Group (Grimma) rescued a malnourished and fatigued sea lion off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The team secured authorization from the Federal Protection Attorney’s Office for the Environment before embarking on the rescue operation.
This particular sea lion belongs to the species Arctocephalus townsendi, native to the colder coasts of Baja California and California. Occasionally, members of this species venture far from home, swimming great distances into warmer waters. Similar sightings have been previously recorded in Bahía de Banderas. The adventurous pinniped rescued on Wednesday had traveled an astonishing length of up to 2,000 kilometers from the northern coasts to reach Puerto Vallarta.
In a statement, Grimma described the event as “an unusual stranding,” given that this species is usually found around Guadalupe Island in northern Mexico. Although not a first-time occurrence in Banderas Bay, what set this event apart was the physical condition of the individual, who was highly underweight at 59 kilograms, overtired, and less responsive.
Upon assessing the sea lion’s health, members from the Stranding Network of Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas sought and obtained approval from PROFEPA Jalisco to transport the marine mammal to Vallarta Adventures facilities. Here, specialized veterinarians oversee its rehabilitation, aiming for a complete recovery and eventual release into the wild.
Banderas Bay has witnessed other remarkable visits from marine mammals seeking refuge on its shores. Notably, in 2020 and 2021, an elephant seal was spotted around San Pancho, Nayarit, and some beaches in Mazatlán. Originating from Patagonia, Argentina, this gigantic pinniped, 3 meters in length, had covered a mind-boggling distance of over 8,000 kilometers. Owing to its far-off home, Mexican authorities merely monitored the elephant seal, allowing it to rest before it continued its oceanic voyage.
These extraordinary events highlight marine life’s resilience and adventurous spirit while underscoring the importance of rescue and rehabilitation efforts led by organizations like Grimma and local authorities. Through their timely intervention and expertise, these endangered and brave marine travelers receive a fighting chance to thrive and, perhaps, embark on new journeys across the vast ocean expanse.
PUERTO VALLARTA - On Wednesday afternoon, the Marine Mammal Research Group (Grimma) rescued a malnourished and fatigued sea lion off the coast of Puerto Vallarta . . .
