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The New York Times: Scientists Begin Testing Bird Flu Vaccine in Seals

In response to the increasing threat of bird flu, marine mammal researchers are hoping to provide a life-saving, preventative vaccine for endangered Hawaiian monk seals. 

Learn how researchers at The Marine Mammal Center are studying the bird flu vaccine in elephant seals as a similar species, as well as our next steps to protect Hawaiian monk seals.

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Northern elephant seal
Rebecca Ryan

Rebecca Ryan

Response Operations Coordinator

Rebecca Ryan first joined the Center as an animal care volunteer in 1999, and then joined the Dispatch team as a staff member in June 2019. 

In her current role as Response Operations Coordinator, Rebecca is responsible for the Center’s release program, ensuring that patients are safely returned to the wild after rehabilitation. She also coordinates vehicle fleet and equipment needs, arranges patient transports across the California range and takes calls on our rescue hotline. 

Prior to working at the Center, Rebecca worked as a manager at a wildlife rescue center and a supervisor at a companion animal hospital. 

Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, and traveling with her husband and two boys ages 8 and 12.

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