A sea lion, named Irving, rests on a concrete sidewalk out of its habitat near 48th and Irving streets in San Francisco, Calif., on the morning of Thursday, April 16, 2026. The young pup was transported to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, Calif., for evaluation, where veterinarians will assess its condition and any underlying health issues. (Marine Mammal Center via Bay City News)

A California sea lion pup that apparently wandered onto city streets was found in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood early Thursday morning, according to The Marine Mammal Center.

The young pup was spotted near 48th and Irving Streets, one block away from Ocean Beach and Sunset Dunes park. A trained responder from the Marine Mammal Center was joined by San Francisco park rangers and police officers to safely corral the pup, now named ‘Irving’, into a carrier crate.

Irving was taken to a park ranger station near Kezar stadium before being transferred to The Marine Mammal Center’s Sausalito hospital.

It’s not known why the pup left its habitat but the animal will receive an exam by the center’s veterinary experts to evaluate is condition.

“We are grateful for the quick action, dedication and support from our partners that allowed this young animal to be rescued in the wee hours of the morning, giving Irving a second chance,” the Marine Mammal Center said in a news release.