23-04-2025
Seabird found covered in tar in San Diego released back into wild by SeaWorld
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — SeaWorld San Diego has announced a seabird was rehabilitated and successfully returned to the wild after it was found covered in tar and stranded at Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego.
On Earth Day, SeaWorld San Diego announced they released a Pacific Loon back into the wild after a month-long rehabilitation.
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Pacific Loons are seabirds that spend most of their lives in coastal waters.
SeaWorld San Diego's animal rescue team jumped in to save the bird after it was found at Torrey Pines State Beach covered in thick tar all over its stomach at the end of March. The tar had compromised its ability to stay warm and hindered its natural behavior, the care team said.
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SeaWorld's Oiled Wildlife Care Center (OWCC) worked to wash the tar off the Pacific Loon, which took several washes, then worked to stabilize the bird, making sure it was eating and hydrated and able to live in the pool full time.
After a month with SeaWorld's Oiled Wildlife Care Center, she was ready to be released as she is now clean, eating, waterproof and able to live on the water once again, the care team said.
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The team said they waited to release her until they were confident she could live full time on the water as the aquatic birds spend nearly their entire lives on the water other than to breed. They even raise their young on their backs while in the water.
Watch in the video above as SeaWorld San Diego released the seabird back into the water.
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