Starving sea lion found in San Diego restaurant booth

SAN DIEGO — A starving sea lion trying to escape the elements outside knew just where to go to find some grub--a fancy San Diego restaurant.

Workers with SeaWorld were called to The Marine Room Thursday morning and found a hungry and irritable 8-month-old sea lion sleeping in one of the dining booths.

"Good for you for finding this spot," one rescue worker said to the pup.

The female pup was underweight and dehydrated. She was taken to SeaWorld's animal rescue center where employees say she is recovering.

According to The Guardian, there's been an increase in sick and dying sea lions over the past year, with SeaWorld rescuing 47 sea lions and other marine mammals in need.

Experts say sea lions have been looking for higher ground due to the severe weather effects of El Nino. Their food supply has also been diminished because of rising ocean temperatures.

Watch the video HERE.

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