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 Our Mission Statement:
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 increase public awareness of the marine environment
through education and research.
 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
 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
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.
 Research
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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