LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., -- Biologists at the Laguna Beach, California wildlife center said on Friday that a record number of sea lions and seals are getting sick along the West Coast, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

The wildlife center is having its most difficult year yet, with close to 100 ailing animals currently being housed.

Biologists do not know what is making these animals sick but think that it could be the lack of food or the climate change.

Scientists believe that a possible El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific could be pushing bait fish too far out to sea, forcing the sick and hungry animals to beach themselves.

Staff and volunteers at the center are spending a record amount of time and money in fish food to help keep these animals alive.