In incredibly rare occurrence, sea lion at La Jolla Cove births to two pups – NBC 7 San Diego

It’s twins!

A sea lion at the La Jolla Cove gave birth to two pups this week, which is incredibly rare, according to SeaWorld.

Females typically only give birth to one pup a year and multiple births have never been observed in the wild, SeaWorld said.

The Photos were captured by NBC 7 viewer Jim Grant on Wednesday, but it is not exactly clear when the birth occurred.

A spokesperson for SeaWorld said the team was at the cove earlier this week for other reasons and did observe the mother and pups. The mother does appear to be actively caring for both pups and it does not appear that SeaWorld will need to intervene for care.

“In situations like this, our rescue efforts are guided by animal welfare indicators—SeaWorld rescues pups only if they are confirmed to be abandoned, ill, or injured,” Tracy Spahr said.

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Jim GrantJim Grant

The pups may be visible in the coming weeks, but the Sierra Club of San Diego’s Seal Society reminded visitors to stay back and view from a distance of at least 150 feet.

Under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to harass, touch, feed or pursue sea lions. Violations can result in fines of more than $30,000 and up to a year in prison.

Report a violation to NOAA Fisheries’ Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964.

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To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal along the West Coast, please call the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 1-866-767-6114. The SeaWorld rescue hotline is 1-800-541-SEAL (7325).