SeaWorld San Diego is bracing for a difficult winter as El Niño and an ongoing marine heat wave threaten local wildlife.
Warming waters are disrupting fish populations, forcing marine mammals to travel farther for food. Young sea lions and seals face the highest risk of starvation.
In response, CBS 8 reports SeaWorld Rescue has audited its supply chain and stockpiled essential medications to handle an expected surge in stranded animals.
Officials warn the conditions mirror the 2013–2015 climate crisis, which overwhelmed California rescue groups with thousands of starving sea lion pups.