An emotional scene unfolded at Venice Beach Tuesday as three rescued sea lion pups were released back into the ocean — drawing cheers from a crowd that had gathered to witness their return to the wild. Heartwarming video showed the trio — Mogul, Bronze and Missouri — as they emerged cautiously from individual carriers, hesitating for a moment before instinct took over. The pups huddled close together, briefly wrapping around one another, before slowly making their way toward the shoreline at the Venice Fishing Pier. After sliding into the water, onlookers who had been asked to remain quiet until the animals reached the ocean broke out in applause and cheers.