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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
Philip Upton

Philip Upton

Principal, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (retired)

Philip Upton comes to the Center with a degree in Zoology combined with an interest in preserving the marine environment. Philip had a long career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a global consulting firm; after leaving college, he joined the firm in the United Kingdom and then moved to the United States in the early 1990s to work in the Forensic Services team. He is now retired and lives in Marin.

Starting out as a chartered accountant, Philip has worked in PwC’s audit practice, business recovery services team and, for many years, with legal counsel on investigative analytics and eDiscovery matters. During this time, he has consulted with a wide variety of clients in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and financial services sectors, helping them to overcome challenging situations.

After moving to Sausalito during the pandemic from New York, Philip was looking for a way to contribute to his community. He found The Marine Mammal Center while exploring the Marin Headlands and became interested in its mission to advance global ocean conservation through rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.