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":"\/Animals\/Wild\/Bottlenose dolphin\/cropped-images\/dolphinphoto-by-adam-li-c-noaa-0-0-1270-992-1769539954.jpg","alt":"A bottlenose dolphin jumps out of the water.","title":"What\u2019s the Difference Between Dolphins and Porpoises? And Other Animal Trivia","link_url":"https:\/\/www.marinemammalcenter.org\/news\/whats-the-difference-between-dolphins-and-porpoises-and-other-animal-trivia","label":"News Update","date":"2026-01-26 23:00:00"}
What’s the Difference Between Dolphins and Porpoises? And Other Animal Trivia
January 26, 2026
Read More{"image":"\/Animals\/Patients\/Elephant seals\/2025\/cropped-images\/elefante-es-photo-by-bill-hunnewell-104-0-1270-992-1767832647.jpg","alt":"Elefante \u2013 Northern elephant seal","title":"Rescue Stories: Vote for Your Favorite Marine Mammal Patient of 2025!","link_url":"https:\/\/www.marinemammalcenter.org\/news\/rescue-stories-vote-for-your-favorite-marine-mammal-patient-of-2025","label":"News Update","date":"2026-01-16 10:05:08"}
Rescue Stories: Vote for Your Favorite Marine Mammal Patient of 2025!
January 16, 2026
Read More{"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"}
