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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.

Learn more
gray whale fluke
Viktor Gazarian

Viktor Gazarian

Life Support Systems and Facilities Technician I

Viktor Gazarian started with The Marine Mammal Center in 2018 as an animal husbandry and life support volunteer at Ke Kai Ola, working with Hawaiian monk seals. Almost five years later, he joined the staff as Life Support Systems & Facilities Technician, based out of our Sausalito hospital. 

Growing up in Washington in the Pacific Northwest, Viktor has always had a passion for environmental conservation. His Eagle Scout project was a large mammal enclosure for bobcat, wolf and coyote at a local shelter. 

Viktor brings to the Center a background involving bird colony studies in Mexico, as well as scientific-based diving for eel grass harvesting and replanting, as part of Puget Sound restoration initiatives. He also has experience in commercial surface-supplied diving in superfund sites in western Washington and northern Oregon, along with extensive underwater video inspections of sediment caps, pier pilings and water tower interiors. 


Areas of Expertise 

  • Hawaiian Monk Seal Husbandry
  • Enrichment Fabrication 
  • Conservation
  • Life Support Maintenance
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