Workers at a Central California ranch could hardly believe their eyes when they spotted a sea lion pup hopping through an almond orchard, a mile from the San Joaquin River.After discovering the confused animal last month at Mape's Ranch near Modesto, the ranch hands quickly got in touch with ocean wildlife officials.A Marine Mammal Center volunteer coaxed the lost sea lion into a cage, where it promptly fell asleep.The 36-pound sea lion, nicknamed Hoppie, is now recovering at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.Hoppie is undergoing treatment for sores and getting some much-needed nourishment in hopes of returning him to the wild.Officials aren't sure why the sea lion left the river or hopped such a long way on the ground.Photos: Adorable baby animals

Workers at a Central California ranch could hardly believe their eyes when they spotted a sea lion pup hopping through an almond orchard, a mile from the San Joaquin River.



After discovering the confused animal last month at Mape's Ranch near Modesto, the ranch hands quickly got in touch with ocean wildlife officials.



A Marine Mammal Center volunteer coaxed the lost sea lion into a cage, where it promptly fell asleep.



The 36-pound sea lion, nicknamed Hoppie, is now recovering at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.



Hoppie is undergoing treatment for sores and getting some much-needed nourishment in hopes of returning him to the wild.



Officials aren't sure why the sea lion left the river or hopped such a long way on the ground.


Photos: Adorable baby animals