California sea lions are among the most common marine mammals in rehabilitation centers, and their welfare in both temporary rehabilitation and permanent captive settings requires specific attention to social, cognitive, and physical needs.
Sea lion welfare in rehabilitation and captivity requires recognition of their cognitive sophistication and strong social needs. Animals in rehabilitation receiving treatment for domoic acid poisoning or entanglement injuries experience the welfare costs of their condition plus the stress of confinement and social separation. Minimizing confinement duration, providing compatible social contact where possible, and using positive reinforcement-based husbandry reduces the welfare cost of necessary care. Long-term captive sea lions in well-managed facilities can achieve good welfare with appropriate enrichment and social housing — the key is sustained investment in behavioral management that addresses their cognitive and social complexity throughout their lives.