Injured Seal Pup Kyanite Still Needs Space to Come Ashore
Injured harbor seal pup Kyanite at Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Filmed from a distance using zoom. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif, July 30, 2026.
Wildlife Jewels’ EYES monitors and Rescue Crew Search Scout volunteers have continued returning to Children’s Pool to monitor injured harbor seal pup Kyanite since June 28.
We observed her again today, July 30. She remains injured and continues trying to come ashore, but people were again gathered close to the shoreline and in the area where she was attempting to haul out.
The video also includes footage from an earlier observation showing Kyanite trying to reach the sand and falling back into the water while people remained close to the shoreline.
All she NEEDS is a small, protected space near the seawall—kept clear of people—so she can safely haul out, rest, and have a chance to be reached by authorized marine mammal rescue responders.
Kyanite has a concerning open wound near her left shoulder that raises concern for infection, and she appears to have difficulty moving. Without a clear path to shore, she may continue losing vital opportunities to haul out, rest, and receive help.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to harass marine mammals. NOAA's minimum viewing distance is 50 yards (150 feet). Approaching closely enough to cause a seal to move, retreat into the water, or prevent her from resting may constitute illegal harassment.
If you see Kyanite:
📞 Call SeaWorld Rescue immediately: 1-800-541-7325
Please stay far back and leave the area near the seawall and shoreline completely open. Do not approach, surround, follow, touch, or block her access to shore.
Immediately report any disturbance or harassment to NOAA Fisheries Enforcement at 1-800-853-1964.
For this injured seal pup, one small protected space could make all the difference.
📹 Footage recorded during Wildlife Jewels monitoring at Children’s Pool and filmed from a distance using zoom. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif.
What Could Make a Lifesaving Difference for This Precious Seal Pup?
Through our routine monitoring, we have repeatedly observed seals attempting to haul out onto the sand directly beside the seawall. A temporary protective buffer placed immediately along that section—even extending just one to two feet onto the sand—could keep visitors from occupying the exact area the seals need to reach land. Wildlife Jewels cannot place barriers there independently; they would need to be placed by the City or another authorized authority
Giving Kyanite access to this small stretch of sand could allow her to rest and provide SeaWorld Rescue with a critical opportunity to reach her safely. Without that protected space, she may continue to be blocked from hauling out, forced back into the water, and lose a vital chance to survive.
Why Space Matters
For an injured seal pup, space is life-saving. She needs a safe opportunity to come ashore and rest on the sand so authorized rescue teams have the best chance to reach and safely assist her.
How You Can Help
If you see this seal pup, please keep your distance, do not approach, and call SeaWorld Rescue right away while keeping the pup in sight from a safe distance: 1-800-541-7325.
Please give seals and sea lions plenty of space, stay behind posted barriers, and report injured or distressed marine mammals immediately.
Quick reporting and giving wildlife space can help save lives.
Injured harbor seal pup Kyanite at Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Filmed from a distance using zoom. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif, July 30, 2026.
Video caption/credit:
Injured harbor seal pup at Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Photographed from a distance using a zoom lens. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif, July 10, 2026.
Video caption/credit:
Injured harbor seal pup at Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Photographed from a distance using a zoom lens. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif, June 28, 2026.
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!