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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.

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Elephant seal
Steller sea lion

Westley

Steller Sea Lion
Eumetopias jubatus

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This patient is a Steller sea lion, one of our least common patient species as they are not typically found in our rescue range. As the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, we sometimes provide long-term rehabilitation for Steller sea lions rescued by our partners in Northern California, Oregon and Washington state.

Many Steller sea lions we care for are orphaned pups, though this species also faces other challenges like ship strike, pollutants and negative human interaction.


photo © The Marine Mammal Center / NOAA permit #24359

Age at Admit
Pup
Weight at Admit
50.00 kgs
Sex
Male
Rescue Location
Unalaska Bay - Dutch Harbor, Aleutian Islands
Diagnosis
Malnutrition, Maternal separation
Admitted
12/24/2025
Status
Current Patient

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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