The Marine Mammal Center

Description

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine mammals, alongside research and education.

It treats sick, injured and abandoned marine mammals, including sea lions, seals, otters and sea turtles, and it also occasionally takes in dolphins. Animals in need are usually reported by members of the public, then diagnosed, treated and, where possible, released back into the wild. Its veterinarians and biologists study marine animal health and its links to ocean conditions, including research that identified the toxin behind mass sea lion illness.

Its education programs reach more than 100,000 school children and adults each year, building public understanding of the ocean and its wildlife. The center is based in Sausalito, California, in the Marin Headlands, with field stations along the Pacific coast between San Luis Obispo and Mendocino. It was founded in 1975 and relies on paid staff and volunteers to run its rescue, care and outreach work.