I know here at Reefs.com we tend to shy away from mammals, but this is a worthy cause I feel compelled to share with you all.

Meet Nila, the adorable yearling Sea Lion discovered frightened and emaciated at a naval base in Point Mugu, CA on March 17, 2014. The poor pup weighed in at a meager 18 pounds (healthy pups should weigh about 40-50 pounds). She was rescued by the Channel Islands & Marine Wildlife Institute and continues to remain in their care. Although she’s doing well, due to her behavior and temperament, she has since been deemed non-releasable to go back into the wild where she would have a grim and short-lived future.

The wonderful folks over at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center in Riverhead, NY have their hearts set on adopting and raising little Nila along with their two adult California Sea Lions. This is the perfect environment to assure that their devoted and talented animal trainers will provide her with the best care and a happy, healthy, fish-filled life.

They have currently set up a page at www.gofundme.com that you can access here for more unbearably cute pictures of the pup along with more details on her story. There’s also information on how you can help get her transported safely into their loving care. I will certainly be donating and encourage you all to do the same, even if just a tiny bit – it can really add up. Looking forward to visiting Nila in Riverhead, NY very soon!