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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.

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gray whale fluke
Heidi Nikolai

Heidi Nikolai

Animal Care Coordinator

As an Animal Care Coordinator based at Ke Kai Ola, our hospital for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, Heidi leads coordination of Animal Care crews, including recruitment, training and communication. 

Heidi has a B.S. in Aeronautical Science and has previous experience working in large and small animal hospitals on the Big Island. She has volunteered in various roles at The Marine Mammal Center and Alaska SeaLife Center since 2015, and has been an employee at the Center since 2018. 

When not working, Heidi enjoys spending time at the beach with her family and two dogs.

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