LAGUNA BEACH (AP) — A California sea lion suffering from two pellet gun wounds had to be euthanized, a rescue group said Tuesday.
The female yearling was found in distress at the Wedge in Newport Beach on Dec. 16 and taken to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, where it was given the name Mandalorian.
"While conducting radiographs to obtain further information on the extent of the animal's injury, her chest indicated two gunshots most likely from a pellet rifle," the center said in a press release.
The sea lion's health continued to deteriorate and it was euthanized on Dec. 22.
The pellets were recovered during a necropsy and will be sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service's law enforcement office for further investigation.
"Unfortunately, what we saw is taking p
