ABC7: You Might Be Unintentionally Harming Young Marine Mammals, Rescue Center Says
- Behavior
- Natural history
Published by ABC7: April 25, 2024
Juvenile seals and sea lions have no trouble making themselves heard. But deciphering the traumatic events that landed them at the Marine Mammal Center Hospital in Sausalito takes some detective work.
"So each springtime we see a lot of young seals and sea lions needing the Marine Mammal Center's help," said conservation engagement director Adam Ratner. "So they're being separated from mom prematurely. Layered on top of that is that there are lots of animals out on the beach and a lot of people out on the beaches as well."
He added that they are often alone and vulnerable when they're rescued.
They are also victims of human interaction that's both unintentional and preventable.
Yes, I want to save a life!
Yes, I want to save a life!
You’ll be giving sick and injured animals the best possible care at the Center’s state-of-the-art hospital. With your gift today, you are giving a patient a second chance at life in the wild.
See Our Latest News
{"image":"\/People\/Action\/Veterinary care\/cropped-images\/Harris_Green turtle_TMMC-0-0-1270-992-1767649941.jpg","alt":"Heather Harris","title":"Seattle Aquarium Awards Dr. Heather Harris With Prestigious Conservation Research Award","link_url":"https:\/\/www.marinemammalcenter.org\/news\/seattle-aquarium-awards-dr-heather-harris-with-prestigious-conservation-research-award","label":"In the News","date":"2026-01-05 04:48:00"}
Seattle Aquarium Awards Dr. Heather Harris With Prestigious Conservation Research Award
January 5, 2026
Read More{"image":"\/People\/Action\/Veterinary care\/cropped-images\/harris-teaching-tube-feeding-0-0-1270-992-1767650122.jpg","alt":"A veterinarian and two trained volunteers tube feed an elephant seal pup.","title":"Training College Students in Marine Mammal Health","link_url":"https:\/\/www.marinemammalcenter.org\/news\/training-college-students-in-marine-mammal-health","label":"News Update","date":"2026-01-05 04:48:00"}
{"image":"\/Animals\/Patients\/Harbor seals\/2013\/cropped-images\/hs-bogey-photo-by-Ingrid-Overgard-c-the-marine-mammal-center-382-0-2914-2276-1605061447.jpg","alt":"harbor seal Bogey","title":"Top Eco Friendly Valentine\u2019s Day Gifts","link_url":"https:\/\/www.marinemammalcenter.org\/news\/top-eco-friendly-valentines-day-gifts","label":"News Update","date":"2026-01-01 01:00:00"}
{"image":"\/Animals\/Patients\/Harbor seals\/2020\/cropped-images\/hs-barnwood-by-bill-hunnewell-c-the-marine-mammal-center-315-0-3299-2577-1607370547.jpg","alt":"harbor seal Barnwood","title":"Last-Minute Gift Guide \u2013 Top Gifts that Give Back to Marine Animals","link_url":"https:\/\/www.marinemammalcenter.org\/news\/last-minute-gift-guide","label":"News Update","date":"2025-12-18 01:00:00"}
Last-Minute Gift Guide – Top Gifts that Give Back to Marine Animals
December 18, 2025
Read More