Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Pacific Marine Mammal Center
20612 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, California, USA 92651
(949) 494-3050 phone • (949) 494-2802 fax
e-mail: info@pacificmmc.org

To schedule a group presentation, please call for an appointment: 949.494.3050

PMMC is open from 10 AM to 4 PM every day. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) is a nonprofit organization staffed by dedicated volunteers and funded by donations. Its mission is to: rescue, medically treat and rehabilitate marine mammals that are stranded along Orange County, California beaches due to injury or illness; release healthy animals back to their natural habitat; and increase public awareness of the marine environment through education and research. Come see us!

Here's a little of what we do:

Rescue

Unlike whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions don't have to remain in water in order to survive. The animals beach themselves to be warm and dry when feeling ill. They seek rest on land for a variety of reasons and are not always in need of intervention. Our staff is trained to recognize animals suffering from infections, malnourishment, pneumonia, gill net strangulation, etc. which can harm an animal's chance for survival.

Rehabilitation

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

When a "patient" is admitted, our staff performs all necessary procedures under the direction and protocols set by the Animal Care Director and our Veterinary Medical Director. During the course of rehabilitation, animals require a variety of treatments such as administration of antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids, tube feeding, force feeding, wound care, etc. Most animals come in dehydrated and the most effective means to provide fluids and nourishment is through tube feeding. The process requires blending of fish, electrolytes, warm water, vitamins, and medication into a fish formula. This formula is fed to the animals by inserting a flexible tube into the stomach using large syringes. As soon as the animals are hydrated and stable, we wean them to eat whole fish.

Release

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Once an animal has gained an optimal weight and is competing for food, it's ready for release. Prior to release, each animal is tagged with an identification number. The color-coded tags indicate the animal has been rehabilitated and helps identify the specific animal and care center in case the animal needs care in the future. We strive to return every one of our patients back to the wild once their care with us is complete.

For more information, please visit us at: Pacificmmc.org