La Jolla Seals – NBC 7 San Diego

The San Diego branch of the Sierra Club called on Mayor Todd Gloria on Tuesday to temporarily close the breeding grounds for sea lions in La Jolla. Year.

In a letter to Gloria, the Sierra Club and its seal association said more to protect the children’s pool in La Jolla and the animals that regularly gather near it as the sea lion parenting season begins this month. I write that I need to do it.

The organization noted two recent incidents that emphasized the urgent need to close access to the sea lions: a young man named Ella “at the hands of a visitor trying to take a picture”. “Violent death” and serious injury to sea lion cubs They claim to have been inflicted on pregnant sea lions.

According to the Sierra Club, the puppy season, which lasts until October 31, is a vulnerable period for newborn puppies and their mothers. Puppies do not swim well in the first few months of life and are at risk of drowning in the presence of people. Their way.

Earlier this month, city council member Joe Rakawa issued a statement calling for “responsible tourism” when guests came to Lahoya to see sea lions.

“There are few places in the dry land where you can see seals and sea lions up close in their natural state. There are benefits to being near here. It’s a memorable experience for kids and adults alike. It should also be remembered that seals and sea lions are wild animals that deserve their space and our respect. “

Andy Field, director of Parks and Recreation in San Diego, joined La Cava in a call to keep sea lion populations safe, with the city setting up signs during the parenting season and taking other steps to bring the general public. He said he was educating.

“Park rangers and city partners actively engage and educate citizens about sea lion populations. Additional signs keep a safe distance and keep these wonderful animals out of the way. It acts as a reminder, “says Field.

However, the Sierra Club has signs located in the area on weekends and a limited number of park rangers are expected to attract a large number of people on the beaches of San Diego, especially as the summer season approaches. He said it wasn’t enough to ensure safety.

“Unfortunately, the city of San Diego and the Parks & Recreation Department have not invested enough resources to control the crowd and prevent harassment of mothers and puppies,” said Docent Robin Davidoff of the Seal Society. The situation is exacerbated by seals from a safe distance and intermittent park ranger surveillance. The display area from the adjacent wall remains open and unobstructed, providing unlimited opportunities for the general public to experience this natural wonder and providing the necessary protection for sea lions. “