{"id":469199,"date":"2026-02-15T01:04:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T01:04:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/469199\/"},"modified":"2026-02-15T01:04:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T01:04:07","slug":"sick-sea-lion-pup-rescued-after-hitching-a-ride-on-familys-boat-to-california-shore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/469199\/","title":{"rendered":"Sick sea lion pup rescued after hitching a ride on family’s boat to California shore"},"content":{"rendered":"

A sick sea lion pup climbed aboard family\u2019s boat off the coast of San Clemente and hitched a ride to shore \u2014 and into the waiting arms of animal rescuers. <\/p>\n

The malnourished pup swam onto Matthew Miller\u2019s sailboat as he was out on the water with his 11-year-old daughter Ellie on January 24.<\/p>\n

The rescue team determined the pup was underweight and displaying abnormal behavior. facebook\/pacificmmc<\/p>\n

Miller sensed trouble when the sea lion leapt off their swim step but scrambled back moments later. He and his daughter then contacted the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.<\/p>\n

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Matthew and Ellie Miller. facebook\/pacificmmc<\/p>\n

After reviewing photos, rescue team \u201cdetermined the pup was underweight and displaying abnormal behavior,\u201d according to a recent post from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was frail,\u201d Miller told CBS Los Angeles<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was very, very docile. Very calm, and he hung out on our boat for like a good 30 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tired pup had fallen asleep and was rescued by the PMMC team with help from the Dana Point Harbor Patrol. facebook\/pacificmmc<\/p>\n

When the sailors and new friend reached Dana Point Harbor, the tired pup had fallen asleep and was rescued by the PMMC team, with help from the Dana Point Harbor Patrol. He arrived at the marine center\u2019s hospital weighing just 39 pounds and showed signs of malnutrition and pneumonia.<\/p>\n

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Ellie was given the chance to name the little sea lion, whom she called \u201cChump.\u201d Veterinarians and volunteers are keeping a watchful eye on the pup, treating his pneumonia and serving him three large meals a day to help him regain strength.<\/p>\n

Veterinarians and volunteers are keeping a watchful eye on Chump. facebook\/pacificmmc<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Chump has been receiving the best care at Pacific Marine Mammal Center. As a thank you for their compassionate response, we welcomed the family for a private tour to see Chump during his rehabilitation,\u201d the marine center said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can tell he\u2019s just bouncing back,\u201d Miller added to CBS Los Angeles. \u201cHe\u2019s happy. He\u2019s thriving. He\u2019s healthy. He\u2019s got a girlfriend in there. It\u2019s like Happy Valentine\u2019s Day, Chump.\u201d<\/p>\n

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