When Conni Berry went out for a peaceful bike ride down the Dockweiler Beach in Los Angeles, she had no idea what would happen.
Conni was enjoying the sun and listening to music while riding her bike when she spotted an unusual creature in the middle of the sandy beach.
At first, she stopped and got off her bike, but she couldn’t see what was happening. Conni decided to come closer and this is when she realized that the creature in question was actually a sea lion!
In the middle of the beach, with no one around, the sea lion was moving its head up and down, with thick foam coming from its mouth.
Conni was devastated by the poor creature’s condition and realized the sea lion needed professional help as soon as possible.
She immediately phoned Marine Mammal Care, an organization that helps sea lions across California.
It took them almost an hour to come down to the beach, but Conni stayed close to the sea lion. She wanted to make sure the poor soul stayed unharmed until help came.
Once the rescue team arrived, along with several volunteers, they swiftly moved the sea lion into their vehicle and thanked Conni for her help.
They named the sea lion Ariel and the vet at Marine Mammal Care immediately assessed her state.
The poor thing was dehydrated and hungry, but she had no serious injuries or health problems.
They let her rest for a couple of days in one of their pools at their research center before releasing her back to the ocean.
They drove her to a rocky beach close to Los Angeles, and Ariel hopped into the ocean, ready for a new adventure!
I’m more than grateful Conni found Ariel that day and informed the rescue organization. Thanks to their team effort, an innocent life was saved that day!