Freeway, the beloved Californian rescue sea lion that used to roam around San Diego, has died, SeaWorld San Diego has announced.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share ‘Freeway’, the rescued sea lion, passed away yesterday – surrounded with love from his devoted care and rescue teams. His adventurous spirit won the hearts of all San Diegans and he will be remembered for that and so much more,” the park said in a Facebook post on Friday.
It went on to reveal that prior to Freeway’s rescue last year, he had contracted a progressive disease that the park’s experts diagnosed. The park did not specify what the disease was but said that despite extensive treatment, the disease caused Freeway’s health to decline over time.
“Given his decline, the team made the extremely difficult, but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him. We are grateful for the support of the community and all of Freeway’s fans who, like us, loved him so very much. We will miss him dearly,” the park said.
Last January, Freeway surprised drivers after he found himself on busy State Route 94 and nearly reaching Interstate 805, NBC reported.
A rescue team from SeaWorld San Diego rescued Freeway, who was estimated to weigh around 200lbs, via nets and transported him to the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Center for a health assessment and rehabilitation.
“Exactly how the animal ended up on the highway is still unclear,” SeaWorld San Diego said in a statement at the time, NBC reported.
According to the park, Freeway had a history of sojourning across San Diego. During his life, he was found at multiple locations across the city including Naval Base Point Loma, on the Mission Beach boardwalk and near a deli close to Mission Bay.
Following the park’s announcement of Freeway’s death, tributes to the sea lion swiftly poured in.
“He got good care and lived longer than he could have in the wild,” one user wrote.
Someone else wrote: “So sorry! Rest in peace, sweet boy! Thank you, all for taking care [of] him. He was in the best hands. Now he’s in the beautiful ocean in the sky.”
“Maybe some writer can make a children’s book. THE ADVENTURES OF FREEWAY,” another user said.
