A sea lion named Confetti was found and rescued from Ballona Creek in California on January 5 after veterinarians discovered two bullet wounds in its head during an initial examination. The animal, which initially exhibited lethargy and refused to eat, began actively consuming live fish by the seventh day of treatment under a course of antibiotics and maintenance therapy.
Marine biologist Dave Bader noted that Confetti shows clear signs of recovery with high chances of full rehabilitation and eventual release into its natural habitat.
Scientists have documented the rapid spread of an unknown marine infection that is destroying key reef species of sea urchins. Sea urchins play a critical role as ocean sanitation workers by controlling algae growth and maintaining ecosystem balance; their decline could lead to rapid reef overgrowth and biodiversity loss.
