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Four More Bonneville Dam Sea Lions Euthanized by Scott Burton and Teresa Blackman KGW.com, April 2, 2009

BONNEVILLE, Wash. -- Under order of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Fisheries, the trapping project at Bonneville Dam continues, with four more sea lions getting euthanized.

Thirteen have been trapped since March 9.

Two were branded and released, two were sent to Pt. Defiance Zoo in Tacoma on their way to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. One of the sea lions was euthanized due to cancerous lesions, four others were going through medical assessments for possible transfer to a zoo in Brownsville, Texas.

As these predatory sea lions face euthanization, activist organization In Defense of Animals has taken to naming the Columbia River sea lions. It's the organization's attempt to humanize the animals. One has been dubbed, "Sanctuary Sam" after the living sea lion used by NOAA-Fisheries to promote wildlife conservation

"This sea lion is on videos on their website teaching kids about protecting animals and here this same agency is killing sea lions," says spokesman Matt Rossell.

In Defense of Animals is pushing to end the trapping until more humane methods can be found to protect the endangered salmon. But according to NOAA Fisheries, the project will continue as ordered.