SAN PEDRO – A young sea lion that jumped onto a race boat during the Campbell Cup regatta earlier this month in Long Beach fell into the right hands, as the formerly sick pinniped has gotten stronger and is scheduled to be released back into the wild before the end of the year.

Photo by: Courtesy of Peter Wallerstein On the Mend -- An injured sea lion rescued during the Campbell Cup Race in Long Beach is now almost well enough to release.

The male sea lion’s prognosis was not good when he first arrived at the Marine Animal Rescue Center in San Pedro. He was experiencing seizures and appeared to be suffering from a neurological disorder, likely caused by domoic acid poisoning.

However, during the past few weeks, the sea lion’s health improved and he has turned a corner.

“The seizures have stopped and he is doing much better -- and looks like he may be releasable,” said Peter Wallerstein, a marine animal rescue specialist. “He is making a good comeback, he is gaining strength and the seizures have stopped, for now -- so, everything is looking much better.”

The sea lion has the crew aboard Alchemy and the Marine Animal Rescue center to thank for his rehabilitation. The young sea lion’s near-death experience began last month during the Campbell Cup. The regatta hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club was about to begin when the crew aboard Per Peterson’s Andrews 70, Alchemy, alerted the race committee boat that a sea lion had found its way on board.

The sea lion was reported by helmsman Will Stout to have jumped on the transom and crawled into the cockpit. He also appeared to be choking from fish net that was wrapped around his neck.

Under the direction of Long Beach Harbor Patrol, Alchemy transported the sea lion to Harbor Patrol docks, where Wallerstein was awaiting the patient.

Wallerstein brought the sea lion to the center, where the pinniped has been under constant care.

“If Alchemy hadn’t done what they did, then this animal wouldn’t have had a chance and would have been doomed for sure,” Wallersten said.

“I am going to make Alchemy Marine Animal Rescue crew shirts, as a token of our appreciation for bringing the animal in, and allowing us to rescue this sea lion.”