Sea Lion Shot In Face Won't Survive In The Wild

SAUSALITO, Calif. (AP) -- A sea lion that was found shot in the face on a Sausalito Beach is blind and will not be able to return to the wild.

Marine Mammal Center veterinarian Bill Van Bonn told the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday that the center is now looking for an aquarium, wildlife care facility or sanctuary willing to adopt the sea lion

The 7-foot-long, 336-pound male sea lion named "Silent Knight" by its caretakers was brought to the Marine Mammal Center on Dec. 8 with five shotgun pellets in its brain.

Its right eye had been blown out. The optic nerve in its left eye was later determined to also be damaged.

Van Bonn says Silent Knight has otherwise shown signs of improving health. He consumes 7 pounds of herring a day and has even attempted to chase fish in his pool.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)