Marine Mammal Center Visitor Center Reopens on June 15
Visitors get to see seal and sea lion pups (the most common patients at the center) who have been rescued from Pacific Coast beaches, typically suffering from malnutrition. This year the Center is taking in an average of five stranded pups a week, possibly due to the depletion of fish species that the newly-weaned sea lions eat. If you ever see a stranded seal or sea lion, don't try to help it yourself — calling the Marine Mammal Center at its 24-hour hotline at 415-289-SEAL gives the pup the best chance for survival.
In some cases rescued animals are suffering from injuries or illnesses, and the new facilities offer expanded care options for the center's doctors and staff. The upgrading of the new sea water treatment facilities alone has increased the capacity of the system by about 400%.
While visiting the Center you can check out their gift store and view exhibits to learn more about marine mammals and the work done by scientists and volunteers at the rehabilitation facility. You can see feeds prepared, lab work, and (in a room labeled with a sign to warn about what's inside) post mortems. Those investigations into the cause of death of marine mammals are a key way in which the Center's researchers seek to improve the lives of the survivors.
Especially during the grand opening period, parking at the Marine Mammal Center is limited and carpooling is recommended. Check out our Marine Mammal Center page for more information.
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