A California sea lion named Confetti defied death after surviving two gunshot wounds to the head, shocking wildlife rescuers who pulled him from a Los Angeles waterway earlier this month.

Miraculous Rescue and Discovery

Marine Mammal Care Center rescuers found Confetti in Ballona Creek on January 5th, initially unaware of the extent of his injuries. The adult male sea lion appeared severely weakened and refused to eat upon arrival at the rescue facility. X-ray examinations revealed the devastating truth: two bullets remained embedded in the animal’s skull, evidence of deliberate violence against the marine mammal.

Veterinarians also diagnosed Confetti with leptospirosis, a dangerous bacterial infection targeting the kidneys. The combination of gunshot trauma and serious illness left the sea lion barely able to move during his first days in care.

Road to Recovery

Confetti’s condition gradually improved under professional veterinary care. By his fourth day at the facility, staff noticed increased alertness and movement within his enclosure. Within a week, the resilient sea lion began consistently eating live fish independently, marking a significant milestone in his recovery process. Wildlife officials report that Confetti continues making steady progress toward full rehabilitation.

Disturbing Pattern of Violence

Rescue officials indicate that violence against stranded sea lions represents a troubling trend along Southern California’s coastline. Marine mammals frequently arrive at rehabilitation centers bearing gunshot wounds or other clear signs of human-inflicted harm. The perpetrators and motives behind such attacks remain unclear, but the pattern suggests ongoing threats to protected wildlife species. Fortunately, alert members of the public spotted Confetti and contacted authorities, enabling his rescue and treatment.