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Learn about Whales and Help Save a Life

Check out our new whale behavior visual guide! Dive in to discover the “why” behind the different behaviors you might see.

Learn fun facts about these gentle giants, what conservation efforts are helping to protect them, ways you can be a whale champion and more.

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humpback whale tail

Harbor seal pup Meringue was spotted alone, but because there were adult seals nearby, our expert responders determined the best course of action was to wait and see if his mother would return, as harbor seal mothers often do. 

Unfortunately, Meringue was picked up the next day by a well-meaning beachgoer who had likely mistaken him for an orphan. Luckily the pup was soon brought to our hospital for care. 

Upon admit, Meringue was sporting a fluffy lanugo coat, which is normally shed before birth, and was very skinny—clear signs he was a premature pup that was just days old. 

At first, Meringue was gently tube-fed a special milk formula, but it wasn’t long before he was attending lessons in fish school where he learned how to catch and eat whole fish. Meringue ate like a champion and after nearly three months of care, he was ready to be released back to the wild.

Adopt Meringue

Age at Admit
Pup
Weight at Admit
8.60 kgs
Sex
Male
Rescue Location
Pirate's Cove - Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo
Diagnosis
Malnutrition, Maternal separation
Admitted
02/22/2021
Status
Released
Release Date
05/13/2021
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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