On April 7, 2025, a fur seal was found stranded along a highway between La Paz and San Juan de la Costa.
Rescuers quickly assessed the animal and discovered serious injuries. “X-rays revealed skull fractures and signs of severe malnutrition,” said Ricky Rebolledo, Director of the Mexico Marine Wildlife Rescue Center (MMWRC). Medical support from Cabo Dolphins was requested immediately.
Over the next 12 weeks, specialists provided intensive veterinary care, specialized nutrition, and a controlled environment to aid in the seal’s recovery.
After three months, the seal was successfully released back into the wild, thanks to collaboration among civil society organizations and personnel from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA).
It is now the first Guadalupe fur seal to be released into the Gulf of California with a satellite transmitter. This device will track its adaptation to the wild and provide valuable data on its movements, feeding habits, and behavior after rehabilitation.
“For everyone involved, it’s crucial to know that the animal is thriving and moving freely within a colony or suitable area,” said Rebolledo. “The tag, attached to its fur, is expected to fall off naturally in about five months, giving us a window into its activity during that period, including diet and ocean conditions.”
This release marks both a technical and ecological milestone. It highlights the importance of marine rehabilitation and provides insights to improve rescue efforts for vulnerable species.
Thanks to strong collaboration between federal agencies, research institutions, and civil society, teams are not only responding to wildlife emergencies but also advancing high-tech monitoring tools that merge science, environmental commitment, and innovation.
These initiatives also raise awareness about the human impact on marine life and emphasize the need for shared responsibility among citizens, fishers, and authorities alike.