Pacific Marine Mammal Center

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 with the mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine mammals while promoting ocean stewardship through research and education. Their slogan, "Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release, Educate, and Research," encapsulates their comprehensive approach.

Unlike whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions often beach themselves when feeling ill. The organization's trained staff can identify various ailments that threaten the animals' survival, including infections, malnourishment, pneumonia, and gill net strangulation.

Upon admission, the center's staff performs necessary procedures in line with the protocols set by the Animal Care Director and Veterinary Medical Director. The rehabilitation process involves a range of treatments, including administering antibiotics, providing subcutaneous fluids, tube feeding, force feeding, and wound care.

Notably, many animals arrive dehydrated, necessitating tube feeding, a process involving a specialized fish formula. Once the animals are hydrated and stable, they are weaned to eat whole fish. After reaching an optimal weight and demonstrating the ability to compete for food, the animals are tagged for identification and released back into the wild.

It's commendable that the Pacific Marine Mammal Center strives to return every patient to the wild upon completing their care, ensuring their rehabilitation efforts culminate in the animals' reintegration into their natural habitat.