 3 R’s for Marine Mammals
Enter our exciting classroom to be surrounded by marine mammal specimens. This program gives participants an in-depth look at the work of the Marine Mammal Center. You will learn about the tools and techniques used by the veterinarians and volunteers to care for our patients - from Rescue, to Rehabilitation and Release. Video clips of actual rescues, animal care, handling procedures, and releases will allow you to “experience” the sides of our work that you are not able to see on a tour. Using a seal model, you will see demonstrations of feeding and veterinary procedures; and using hands-on specimens, you will explore the differences between seals, sea lions, otters, and other marine mammals. You will examine x-ray images and marine debris entanglement from former patients, and come to understand how connected our lives are to these intelligent creatures of the sea. Our goal is that by sharing the amazing stories of our patients, your group will be more informed ocean stewards. Please note that this program does not include a guided or self-guided tour – it should be booked separately.
Program length: 1 hour
Group size: Up to 25, including chaperones
Age level: all ages
Rates: Schools, non-profits: $120 per group
Days and Times Available:
- Tuesday through Friday, and some Saturdays
- 10 AM, 11:15 AM, 1 PM, 2:15 PM and 3:30 PM
 Guided Tour
Join us on a guided tour of our newly rebuilt, state-of-the-art facility! Our educator will escort your group through our unique outdoor animal rehabilitation hospital, answering questions as you go. You will view seal and sea lion patients and learn how our hospital functions. Look into key areas such as the Fish Kitchen, Chart Room, Laboratory and Post-Mortem (optional). Depending on patient care activities you may be able to watch animal care crews in action doing food preparation and medical charting, and see technicians doing laboratory analyses during your tour. Hands-on experiences with rescue equipment, pelts and bones enhance the tour, and highlight the characteristics, behavior and adaptations of our pinniped patients.
Program length: 1 hour
Group size: Up to 25, including chaperones
Age level: all ages
Rates: Schools, non-profits: $120 per group
Days and Times Available:
- Tuesday through Friday, and some Saturdays
- 10 AM, 11:15 AM, 1 PM, 2:15 PM and 3:30 PM
Self-Guided Visit
Lead your group through a self-guided visit of the Marine Mammal Center’s public areas. Exhibits throughout the facility will inform your group about our work. Enjoy viewing seal and sea lion patients. Look into key areas such as the Fish Kitchen, Chart Room, Laboratory and Post-Mortem (optional). Depending on patient care activities you may be able to watch animal care crews in action doing food preparation and medical charting, and see technicians doing laboratory analyses during your visit.
Program length: 1 hour
Group size: 10 to 25 people
Age level: all ages
Days and Times Available:
- 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday and Monday
- Tuesday through Friday from 2-5
- Hours vary on Saturdays
Suggested Donation: $5 per person
 In Our Marine Science Classroom
In addition to the program in our classroom called “3R’s for Marine Mammals”, you may also choose from the list of Whale Bus programs as alternative topics for your group to learn about in our new Marine Science Classroom at the Headlands. These choices allow your group to have a more in-depth study of pinnipeds, whales, otters, comparative anatomy, marine careers, marine mammals of California, or Marine Mammal Exploration. Click here for a description of the programs offered on-site in our classroom. For the best experience, we suggest that you combine a classroom program with our Guided Tour. Best season: All year.
Program length: 45 minutes for Pre-K/K
Group size: Up to 25, including chaperones
Rates: Schools, non-profits: $120 per group
General Public: $8/person, $120 minimum
 Research Discovery Day
This comprehensive four hour program is geared for high school and college students. It includes a guided tour of our hospital where we care for seal and sea lion patients, video clips of animal care and veterinary procedures such as surgery and blood withdrawal, and lab stations about Comparative Anatomy, Hematology, Scat, Tracking, Parasitology, Radiology and Cetacean Photo ID. Two or more of our instructors will work with your group.
Program length: 4 hours (including 30-minute lunch break – bring your own lunch)
Group size: Up to 30 (change this to 25), including chaperones
Rates: $400 for day/group
All prices subject to change without notice.
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