Rescued Sea Lion Sundrift Returns to Ocean
Marine Mammal Center releases adult female after treatment for domoic acid poisoning during record outbreak.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Marine Mammal Center released Sundrift, an adult female California sea lion, back into the wild on November 13 after about a month of care at its Sausalito hospital. She was treated for domoic acid poisoning, malnutrition and pneumonia as the center documented 328 domoic acid toxicosis cases this year.
Why it matters
This year's outbreak is the largest the center has recorded in 51 years, straining rescue teams across the state's central coast. Domoic acid is a naturally occurring algae toxin, and its spread through the marine food chain affects wildlife populations along the California coast.
The Marine Mammal Center documented 328 domoic acid toxicosis cases this year, far above its typical 75 to 90 annual rescues for the toxin. Rescuing a single sea lion with neurological symptoms can require four to six trained responders, and the source does not say what caused the surge.
The players
The Marine Mammal Center
A California-based marine animal rescue and rehabilitation organization that runs a hospital in Sausalito and operates a response area of roughly 600 miles along the state's coast.
The details
Sundrift was treated with anti-seizure medication and fluids while her body cleared the toxin. Domoic acid, produced by microscopic algae including Pseudo-nitzschia, can accumulate in fish and shellfish and sicken marine mammals that eat contaminated prey.
Timeline
July 1, 2026: Majority of domoic acid cases began occurring.
Late August and early September 2026: Response activity peaked.
October 2026: Rescue numbers and hotline calls dropped to near-normal levels.
November 13, 2026: Sundrift was released back into the wild.
Wildlife Context
This outbreak is the largest the Marine Mammal Center has recorded in its 51-year history, exceeding its typical 75 to 90 domoic acid rescues in a single year. The surge highlights how regional algae blooms can ripple through California's coastal wildlife populations and overwhelm established response networks.
If you encounter a stranded or sick marine mammal, keep at least 150 feet away and contact the Marine Mammal Center's hotline rather than approaching the animal. Reporting sightings promptly helps responders reach affected animals while treatment can still make a difference.
The takeaway
Domoic acid outbreaks can ripple through the food web, so the health of California's coastal wildlife is tied to the algae that feed it. Reporting stranded animals and keeping a safe distance are simple steps readers can take to help rescue teams.
Further reading
Explore more on Wildlife to see how marine animal rescues and ecosystem changes are covered across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Redding Record Searchlight.
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