A sea lion — likely the same one that had been turning heads around downtown Petaluma for weeks — ended up in an unusual place: sunbathing in a parking lot at the Petaluma Outlets mall.

The animal, later nicknamed “Mallory” by rescuers — a change from its previous nickname of “Stevie” — was spotted in the south lot of Petaluma Village Premium Outlets on Saturday. Mall security called North Bay Animal Services at around 7:30 a.m., which responded with a trailer and rescue gear to relocate the sea lion.

“She must have made her way up when the tide was high and she kind of got out of sorts,” said Mark Scott, executive director of North Bay Animal Services.

The animal was “definitely far enough away from the river that she needed some assistance,” he added.

Scott said the river’s offshoot near the mall is narrow and shallow, making it an unlikely route for such a large marine animal.

By about 10:30 a.m., the female sea lion had arrived at the Marine Mammal Center hospital in the Marin Headlands, where she remains under observation.

Veterinarians believe Mallory is 3 to 5 years old, “very energetic and rambunctious,” and currently eating well, center spokesperson Giancarlo Rulli said.

The team is awaiting test results — which could take days or weeks — to determine whether the animal is healthy enough for release, likely at Point Reyes National Seashore.

One concern is domoic acid poisoning, a potentially fatal illness caused by toxic algae. Rulli said a resident reported seeing the sea lion seizing — a possible sign of the condition.

Since mid-June, Petaluma residents have been chronicling the sightings of a sea lion lounging around the Turning Basin. Dubbed “Stevie (The Wonder) Sea Lion” by locals, the animal had drawn regular attention — and a rescue attempt June 25 that was called off after it was deemed healthy enough to remain undisturbed. Rulli said it’s likely Mallory and Stevie are the same animal, based on appearance and behavior, though without a tracking tag there’s no way to be certain. Some social media sleuths have pointed out what they believe are differences, such as scarring, which would indicate these are two separate animals.