Wayward Sea Lion Rescued in California

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Franklin waits on a pier at Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach to be lifted aboard Coast Guard Cutter Edisto for transport and release near Catalina Island, Calif. (Image credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Connie Terrell)

The U.S. Coast Guard has helped to rescue a 500-pound (226 kilogram) sea lion named Franklin that kept getting into trouble in Southern California, officials noted in a blog post Monday (Sept. 3).

Franklin was found up a creek in Irvine, Calif., early last month and moved to a local beach by officials from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. But just days later the sea lion was spotted inland again — this time 5 miles (8 kilometers) up a flood control channel, according to the Coast Guard blog post.

Wildlife experts decided that Franklin needed to be taken farther out to sea to stay out of harm's way. The Coast Guard Cutter Edisto was called in, and the vessel brought the sea lion from San Pedro, Calif., out near Catalina Island, where he was released.

A California sea lion named Franklin swims in the ocean near Catalina Island, Calif., after Coast Guard members and a team from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center released him from aboard Coast Guard Cutter Edisto. (Image credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Henry G. Dunphy.)

The wayward sea lion reportedly was named after Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin, who came home from the London Games this summer with four gold medals.

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Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.