Video: Katniss the Sea Lion Returns Home

Weighing in at 84 lbs, Katniss broke free from her crate and ran to the open water.

After five months of rehabilitation and 55 lbs gained, she was ready.

Aliso Viejo Girl Scout Troop #1751 donated one third of their cookie sales, $300, to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. Their contribution went toward the rehabilitation of Katniss the sea lion.

Katniss came to PMMC in January, suffering from malnutrition and dehydration. She weighed only 29 lbs.

Within a few days she was eating more and beginning to show her feisty personality.

Girl Scout leader Cathy Rooney said the girls were very excited to see Katniss recover and looked forward to her big release back into the ocean.

“The release was amazing. They had also released two other sea lions – in order to increase their comfort level in returning to their home. They frolicked in the ocean and you could sense the happiness from these beautiful animals,” said Kristal Zacharias, a parent of one of the Girl Scouts. “At one point, two of the sea lions actually came up from the water and kissed.”

With 50 supporters, sponsors and volunteers on hand for the Sunday release, Katniss made her way back home.

Check out video from the release above.