Animals

First Sea Lion Rescue Marks World Oceans Day in Costa Rica

Good News Post

Jun 9, 2025 — 2 min read

Image supplied IAR

By Jill Dando News

Following World Oceans Day (8th June), we’re reflecting on the incredible rescue story of ‘Pickle’ the sea lion—an inspiring reminder of the urgent need for ocean conservation and animal protection.

It is the first recorded rescue and successful release of a sea lion for International Animal Rescue (IAR) Costa Rica.

Although sea lions are not native to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, occasionally, Galapagos or Californian sea lions appear due to shifting ocean currents.

Talking about the rescue, Francisco Sánchez Murillo, Veterinary Director of IAR Costa Rica, said:

“A few days ago, we were alerted to a sea lion found in distress, prompting an immediate response from our team at IAR Costa Rica. Our team treated the animal for minor wounds and removed external parasites from its tail. Then, following a health assessment, including full blood work, the help and recommendations of a marine mammal expert veterinarian from Costa Rica was that the sea lion was fit to return to the wild, so it was released.”

“This rescue is not only a milestone for our team in Costa Rica but also a moment to think about the state of our changing ocean,” said Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue.

“It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and all the creatures that depend on them. It’s a great result that we were able to help this sea lion back to health and return it to the ocean so quickly.”

Francisco Sánchez Murillo added:

“Sea lions are considered sentinel species because of their high position in the food chain and long lifespans. They are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollutants, helping us understand our oceans’ health; sea lions play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.”

Thanks to expert care and collaboration with marine specialists, the sea lion has now been successfully released back into the wild.

This recent rescue and release serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the ocean and its incredible biodiversity every day—not just on World Oceans Day.

Just email us at news@goodnewspost.co.uk.

Whether it's a local hero, an act of kindness, or a personal win, your story could help spread joy and improve someone’s mental health. Let’s make the world a little brighter, one good news story at a time.

And don’t forget—you can sign up for free to get the latest feel-good stories straight to your inbox!

Corey’s 100-Mile Mission: Young Boy Walks for Charity That Gave Him a Break

By Charities Correspondent A nine-year-old boy from Derby is putting his best foot forward for a long-running children’s charity that has previously helped him. Starting this month Corey Dobson, of Spondon, aims to walk 100 miles over four weeks in aid of The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre. Corey

Volunteers Contribute 150 Hours to Enhancing Exeter

By Community Correspondent InExeter is celebrating the rejuvenation of three key areas in the city, thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers from the business community and residents. Neighbourhood Action Days, a community-driven initiative launched earlier this year by InExeter, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Exeter, aims to connect

Local Cleaning Firm Celebrates Six Years of Growth

By Business Correspondent A Weston-super-Mare cleaning business is celebrating six years of success, with ambitious plans for continued expansion. Clean Vision, formerly known as Vision Cleaning Services and founded by Chloe Neath in 2019, began as a small domestic cleaning service. Starting with just a Henry hoover and a stack

Cumbria's Wildflower Boom: Over 125,000 Plants Boost Habitats for Pollinators

By Jill Dando News More than 125,000 wildflowers have been planted across Cumbria over the past two years, transforming 159 acres of land—equivalent to 99 football pitches—into vital habitats for pollinators and wildlife. Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, community groups, landowners and generous funders,

Thanks to expert care and collaboration with marine specialists, the sea lion has now been successfully released back into the wild.

If you have a positive story or uplifting news to share, we’d love to hear from you!

Read more

Corey’s 100-Mile Mission: Young Boy Walks for Charity That Gave Him a Break

Volunteers Contribute 150 Hours to Enhancing Exeter

Local Cleaning Firm Celebrates Six Years of Growth

Cumbria's Wildflower Boom: Over 125,000 Plants Boost Habitats for Pollinators