Charles Corralino
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
3406 Cherry Avenue N.E.
Salem, OR 97303
Dear Mr. Corralino:
I understand that you are having trouble with your California sea lion population. I am writing to ask that you do whatever you can to prevent unnecessary killing of these animals. I believe there are solutions that could be tried before beginning “culling”.
I do hope that this is not merely a case of discrimination against Californians. Many communities, from what I hear, have been annoyed at receiving so many transplants from California over the past few years. Whether or not this is the case, I can assure you that California would welcome our creatures home if you would supply them with a one-way ticket. The sea lions seem to enjoy a happy existence at Pier 39 in San Francisco where they can laze about in front of a captivated audience.
Sending the sea lions might be costly, but I think that you could get that covered and even possibly turn a profit. I would suggest that you contact some cruise lines that specialize in taking tourists up and down the western coast of the U.S., and see whether they might want to take on some extra passengers that would surely be a draw for more customers. They could section off a special “sea lion deck” where the animals could be viewed from a safe and respectful distance.
Whether this works or not, I hope that the sea lions will not suffer the gruesome fate for which they currently seem destined.
Truly,
Liz Mann
