Standing outside a cage, Zbinden observes as volunteers attempt to corral sea lion number 6295, otherwise known as Ocitz. Ocitz lashes out with teeth barred as it is herded into a corner. Michael Coffman, on loan from the San Luis Obispo station, twirls a blue towel and drops it over the lion's eyes. Another volunteer jumps on its head as the boards are removed. The lion grunts when Phoenix sticks a needle into its rump.
Blood fills the vial.
Done, the volunteers pull back the boards and Ocitz waddles away, chastened but seemingly unharmed by the experience. Zbinden's response is typically blunt. Or here's a third choice. Andres acknowledges the process can be shocking for first-timers. But in reality, everything we do is very carefully considered.