Skip to main content

Whales in San Francisco Bay

Roughly 30 gray whales have been spotted in the Bay this season, many more than is typical. Sadly, there have also been at least 14 deaths this year, which is more than in all of 2024. 

We are investigating to help determine the cause of these deaths. By gaining insights into what is causing these tragedies, we can better understand how to help prevent them.

Learn more
gray whale fluke

Paprika

Northern Fur Seal
Callorhinus ursinus

Book a Tour to Meet Our Patients

This patient is a northern fur seal, a species that we typically see stranding toward the end of the year. As a species that lives in the open ocean, these fur seals rarely come to shore except for when they are sick or injured.

Northern fur seals are especially sensitive to changes in their environment, as seen in the record numbers of sick or starving fur seals rescued and cared for at our hospital during years when we have seen El Niño conditions.

Age at Admit
Adult
Weight at Admit
32.50 kgs
Sex
Female
Rescue Location
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk (Castle Inn) - Cambria, San Luis Obispo
Cause of Death
Malnutrition, Domoic acid toxicosis
Admitted
07/29/2024
Status
Deceased
Deceased Date
07/30/2024

Meet Similar Patients

northern fur seal Lukelarry

Lukelarry

Northern Fur Seal — Male
Released
northern fur seal Peludo

Peludo

Northern Fur Seal — Male
Released
northern fur seal Schaaf

Schaaf

Northern Fur Seal — Male
Released