5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Observing wildlife is among the best ways to celebrate Earth Day and feel a renewed sense of reverence for the natural world. And along the California coast during springtime, you have a good chance of seeing migrating gray whales. You can help protect these gentle giants by participating in community science and reporting your sightings.

Newborn harbor seal pups can also be observed on California beaches around this time. These pups are often seen resting on their own while their mother hunts for food. You can help protect them by keeping your distance so the mother feels safe returning. When you keep wildlife wild, you’ll also be able to see incredible natural behaviors.

In Hawai‘i, Hawaiian monk seals come to shore mainly to birth and rest, and you may get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of mothers and pups during their peak pupping season. These seals are endangered, so every reported sighting provides valuable information to our researchers. By following these simple viewing guidelines, you will help conservation efforts to save this species.

Are you celebrating Earth Day at home? View wildlife in real-time by tuning in to our live webcam at Point Reyes National Seashore, a popular elephant seal rookery. When you text RELEASE to 65179 you’ll get a notification when a patient release that’s visible from our webcam is about to start as well as other messages with marine mammal stories, news and more. (Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to stop. Terms & Conditions.)

The modern human diet has changed the planet. From the energy it takes to produce the food to how it gets to our plates, food choices are a big driver of climate disruption.

Did you know replacing one meat dish a week with a plant-based meal is the equivalent of driving 1,100 fewer miles each year? By making small but healthy meal changes, you can start a determined effort to reduce your carbon footprint and help safeguard future generations. For Earth Day activities that are good for you and the planet, try a new plant-based recipe or join community solutions to improve food systems and fight climate change.

Your voice and purchasing decisions can help shift the market and demand toward sustainable options too. By supporting sustainable fisheries, you can help ensure there are plenty of fish for marine mammals and people for generations to come. Explore this activity to see how you can care for the ocean by making sustainable choices when you buy seafood.

Are you in the San Francisco Bay Area or making a trip soon? Celebrate Earth Day by visiting the world’s largest marine mammal hospital!

You’ll be able to see animal care experts providing life-saving care to seal and sea lion patients so they can be released back to the wild. Watch as our volunteers prepare meals in the Fish Kitchen, peek into our laboratory to learn more about our scientific research, and explore interactive exhibits that give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to rescue hundreds of marine mammals every year.

Tickets are free but must be reserved online in advance, and you can join a Guided Tour for the ultimate experience.

Find more opportunities to get involved by exploring our virtual and in-person events.