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Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit organization dedicated
to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals stranded
along the Orange County coastline and to the increasing public awareness
of the marine environment through education and research.
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Rescue
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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.
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Rehabilitation
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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.
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Release
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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.
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Research
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An important part of marine mammal recovery is ongoing research.
Research is being done to find the pathological conditions that affect the marine mammals
of Southern California. Only through this research are we able to discover the cause-effect relationships
that can help us to understand the best means to rehabilitate our marine mammal patients.
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