First sea lion pup of the season born in La Jolla

The first live birth at the Point La Jolla sea lion rookery occurred May 20. The pup, and others to follow, will nurse for about a year.

The first live sea lion birth of the season occurred around 10:30 am May 20 at the Point La Jolla rookery, according to the Sierra Club Seal Society of San Diego.

Sea lion pupping season begins mid-May, just as seal pupping season ends. Point La Jolla is closed to humans year-round to protect the sea lions, as sea lion pups can nurse up to a year.

la-jolla-sea-lion-pup

sea-lion-and-pup-la-jolla

Sea lions are also active at La Jolla Cove, where beach access is permitted. Beachgoers and swimmers are reminded to view sea lions from 50 feet away. If a new pup is spotted, distance is especially critical, as getting close can break the scent bond between the pup and its mother and may lead to pup abandonment.

© lajolla.ca

© lajolla.ca

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Elisabeth Frausto

Elisabeth Frausto has been reporting on and writing about La Jolla since 2019. With dozens of local and state journalism awards to her name, Elisabeth knows the industry as well as she knows her community. When she’s not covering all things 92037, you’ll find her with coffee in hand staring at the sea.

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