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Avian Influenza Detected at Año Nuevo State Park

A small number of young northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park recently tested positive for H5N1, also known as bird flu. This is the first detection of H5N1 in California’s marine mammal population.

The risk of H5N1 to the public remains very low. We’re sharing guidance on how to protect yourself, your pets and marine mammals – and how you can help.

Learn more
Elephant seal

This patient is a Pacific harbor seal, our third most commonly rescued species. We typically see orphaned pups that have stranded during mid-February through late June. Pups are often separated from their mothers due to humans or dogs getting too close and scaring the mother away. 

Harbor seal pups are highly susceptible to disease and stress, so they have their very own harbor seal hospital where they can recover away from other patients and the public. 

Age at Admit
Pup
Weight at Admit
8.28 kgs
Sex
Female
Rescue Location
Manresa State Beach (South End) - Watsonville, Santa Cruz
Diagnosis
Malnutrition, Maternal separation, Ocular abnormality
Admitted
05/01/2020
Status
Released
Release Date
08/06/2020
Release Location
Chimney Rock

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.

  • $35 You'll buy food for a hungry animal
  • $45 You'll provide life-saving medical care
  • $65 You'll make second chances possible

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