Two more animal care experts from Vancouver Aquarium’s marine science centre went to California on Monday so that they could help deal with the issue of sea lion pups being washed ashore.

Dr. Martin Haulena, head veterinarian at the Vancouver Aquarium, said they are not sure about the reason behind such a large number of sick and starving pups being stranded on beaches.

But they theorized that warm sea water could be a reason to this because warmer water might be reducing the amount of prey the pups normally feed on.

“Because of warmer water the usual prey species aren’t as abundant as they should be, which forces mothers to leave their pups longer while they search for food and may result in weaning of underweight pups earlier than normal”, Haulena said.

Since January, more than 1,800 sick and starving pups have been found stranded on the beaches of California, said experts.

Therefore, in order to deal with the situation and save the pups the Marine rescue centers in state called for volunteers to seek help. Ten volunteers from Vancouver are either working in California or are on their way to provide help and assistance.

B.C. animal care expert rescue about 150 marine mammals a year for rehabilitation into their natural habitat. Some of those include elephant seals, sea otters, Steller sea lions, California sea lions, harbour porpoises, sea turtles, dolphins, false killer whales and killer whales.

Haulen said that Vancouver specialists have several years of experience and know very well how to deal with large numbers of marine animals requiring acute care.

Sion Cahoon, a Vancouver Aquarium veterinary technologist, said it is hard to understand the magnitude of this stranding event unless one see with own eyes. Cahoon has been working in California for two weeks.