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# And they call it puppy love: WRT has whale of a year
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/and-they-call-it-puppy-love-wrt-has-whale-of-a-year/
- Published: 2006-01-06T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:01:46.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Environment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

The Whale Rescue Team ended 2005 with 264 marine mammal rescues. That’s a record number for marine mammal rescues in one year, according to Peter Wallerstein, who runs the organization.

The WRT this week rescued a 475-pound male sea lion. A five-inch knife blade was pulled from his shoulder.

On the same day, the WRT saved a sea lion pup. The numbers on the pup’s side are made by what’s called “freeze branding.” Federal authorities conduct research by taking the pups from their mothers before they are weaned and they freeze brand and tag the animals.

“I have no doubt that this practice separates some pups from their moms,” Wallerstein said. “This is the outcome. Not too cheerful. But, please remember that every animal we rescue has a much better chance of surviving than if we had left it suffering on the beach, dock, rocks, storm drains, etc.” Young men, there’s a place you can go

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/010606-04_01.jpg)

Team saved more than 260 marine mammals in 2005, a record number. (Photo: Photos courtesy The Whale Rescue)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/010606-04_02.jpg)

Team saved more than 260 marine mammals in 2005, a record number. (Photo: Photos courtesy The Whale Rescue)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 6, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/010606.pdf?ref=smdp.com)