Point Reyes Livestream
In California, Chimney Rock is one of The Marine Mammal Center’s most frequently used locations to release hospital patients who are ready to return to their ocean home.
This webcam streams live video from Chimney Rock, so you can enjoy the heartwarming moment of marine mammals returning to the wild no matter where you are!
This secluded site in Point Reyes National Seashore offers a quiet, non-public beach in an area close to cool waters that have abundant food sources.
Release back to the wild is the goal for every patient at the Center, and our veterinary care team continually evaluates each patient to assess whether they are ready to survive on their own. Once a patient is able to return to the wild, they are released by a team of experts and specially trained volunteers.
When there’s not a release happening, you’ll be able to observe the natural behaviors of marine mammals in the wild. This site is particularly popular with elephant seals between December and June for their seasonal haul-out. Did you know that you can see elephant seals year-round along the California coast?
Never miss a release!
Text RELEASE to 65179 to get a notification when a patient release is about to start on our webcam, as well as other messages with marine mammal stories and more.
Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to stop. Terms & Conditions.
This webcam is operated in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), Point Reyes National Seashore Association, the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Scientists from across the partnership will use this livestream to support vital research efforts. “The livestream footage from the webcam at Point Reyes National Seashore is a valuable real-time tool to help monitor our patient releases and current elephant seal rookery numbers,” said Justin Hodges, Northern Range Operations Manager at The Marine Mammal Center.
The archived video footage also provides key data for elephant seal population counts and the timing of annual pupping season. During crucial birthing and nursing times, the livestream helps to reduce wildlife harassment of vulnerable pups and their mothers.
Brion's Story
Northern fur seal pup Brion was found on the beach malnourished and much too young to be on his own. Our response experts determined he needed medical attention, so they safely rescued and transported Brion to our hospital.
After nearly two months of care, he received a clean bill of health and was released at Chimney Rock with a second chance at life. Watch him return to the ocean at 0:10 in the video above! When you adopt Brion, you will make a difference in the lives of current and future patients.
You Make This Possible
More than 10,000 patients have been released back to the wild, thanks to the support of caring people like you.
Your donation today helps release the next patient back to their ocean home.