Local organizations try to aid sick sea lions at Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Three Orange County organizations have partnered to help Pacific Marine Mammal Center officials care for sick sea lion pups that have inundated the Laguna Beach facility in the past few weeks.

The Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club, Irvine Animal Care Center and the four Orange County Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill restaurants have teamed to help, according to a press release issued by Desperate Paws founders Stephen and Brandi Terry.

The sea lions, nearly all pups, have washed ashore dehydrated and malnourished. The PMMC had 127 animals in its care as of Tuesday, the Daily Pilot reported. One PMMC official called the number of sea lions coming ashore “unprecedented.”

PMMC staff will accept bottles of unflavored Pedialyte and containers of unscented liquid Tide laundry detergent Monday through April 7. The Pedialyte helps the sea lions rehydrate, while the laundry detergent helps clean the blankets and towels used to care for the animals.

Sharkey’s will donate 25% of all pre-tax sales from Monday through April 7 toward caring for the sea lions. Customers can print a flyer and present it to the cashier to ensure 25% of the bill goes to the PMMC. The flyer can be printed from the Desperate Dogs’ website.

The two drop-off locations are: the PMMC, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach; the Irvine Animal Care Center, 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine.

— Bryce Alderton