Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles

🤗 QUICK: What emoji comes to mind when you see this adorable release photo?! Thank you for giving these sweet elephant seal patients a second chance at life!

🧡We’re saddened to share the news that a juvenile male fin whale stranded on the beach in Torrance Saturday afternoon and passed away a few hours later. The 51-foot whale was in poor body condition, indicating it was sick and weak, when our team arrived on the scene.

Today, a necropsy, or animal autopsy, and data collection are being led by our stranding network partners Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance - OARRA with assistance from multiple MMCC staff members including Hospital Director Dr. Lauren Palmer, Associate Veterinarian Dr. Mattison Peters, and Board Member and Veterinarian Dr. Tammy Da Costa Gomez, as well as our Response team members Jules Leon and Adam Fox.

Part of the rich, diverse ecosystem of Southern California, fin whales are second only to blue whales in size and are listed as an endangered species worldwide. The results of the necropsy will help us learn more about the threats fin whales face off our coast and how we can better support their recovery.

We want to thank the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division Beaches and Harbors Los Angeles County Pacific Marine Mammal Center and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries for their support as well as the members of the public who were on the beach last night and kept their distance to allow this majestic animal to pass peacefully.

All activities conducted under NOAA Fisheries MMHSRP Permit #24359

🤩 Happy Spotlight Saturday! Meet one of our amazing volunteers, Keely. “I love volunteering at MMCC because I end up being surrounded by like minded people from all walks of life. I have never looked forward to Monday mornings as much as I have since I started volunteering at the Marine Mammal Care Center!” PS: You can get your hands on our community’s favorite shirt at our gift shop or online at bit.ly/mmccgiftshop!

🌟 Welcome to all our new followers! 🌟 Thanks to a viral video, our community has grown by thousands. We're thrilled to have you here! 🐋🌊

At the Marine Mammal Care Center, our mission is to inspire ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, education, and research. Together, we can make a difference in protecting our precious marine life. 💙

Dive in and join us at marinemammalcare.org to learn more about our efforts and how you can help. Let's make waves for a better future! 🌊🐬

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The Marine Mammal Care Center extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Brian Davis and the entire team at the Georgia Aquarium. Brian Davis was a visionary in the field of marine conservation, and his leadership had a profound impact. We are grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with the Georgia Aquarium under his guidance to support marine mammal conservation in Los Angeles County. His legacy will be remembered, and he will be deeply missed. Georgia Aquarium

It is with immense sadness we announce the passing of our leader, friend, and mentor, president and CEO, Dr. Brian Davis. Brian was an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous imprint on the education and zoological fields. Furthermore, he was a beautifully compassionate human being who lifted others up and dedicated himself to creating a caring and diverse space at the Aquarium.

He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve, making Georgia Aquarium an extraordinary place. He was one of the first employees at the Aquarium prior to opening in 2005 and led us through years of innovation and growth. Brian’s indelible imprint made all those he knew better – we are better because of Brian.

As we navigate this heartbreaking news, our priority lies with caring for staff. We may have limited operations over the coming days to allow our staff time to grieve.

“We are heartbroken by this news. Brian was a giant in leadership with his intellect, wisdom, and imagination,” said Steve Koonin, Chairman of the board of Georgia Aquarium.

Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and all those that he touched throughout his life.

🤣 Which one of these do you relate to the most?! Comment below! PS: Do you have plans this weekend? Come visit our seal and sea lion patients! Make your free reservation at marinemammalcare.org/visit-us!

⏰ SET YOUR ALARMS! Sea lion release happening LIVE on social media tomorrow around 9:30 am. Make sure to be on your phones to watch your impact in action. Thank you for saving wild animals in need!

🤩 WOW! Do you know the impact you're having for marine mammals and our ocean? 2023 was quite the year for MMCC. Read more about the difference you made in our Impact Report at bit.ly/mmccimpact. None of this life-saving work would be possible without you!

🧪 NEW: Introducing Ocean Exploration Days! Every Saturday, you can enjoy meeting our seal and sea lion patients while also experiencing hands-on activities for all ages. marinemammalcare.org/visit-us Immerse yourself in the world of marine science with our expert staff and docents by making a reservation to visit MMCC and enjoy Ocean Exploration Days happening every Saturday during the summer from 10 am to 4 pm.

🔬Activities include:
- Live Plankton Viewing: See microscopic ocean life up close.
- Plankton Races: Design and race your own plankton prototypes.
- New Patient Intake Process: Learn how we care for rescued marine mammals.
- Water Density Color Stacking: Explore the science of water density.
- Blubber Glove Activity: Discover how marine mammals stay warm.
- Animal Matching Game: Test your knowledge of marine wildlife.

🌊 Have you seen sea lions resting on the bow of a ship before? We were honored to visit our new partner, APM Terminals, to meet their team and see their operations. Our recent tour was eye-opening, witnessing firsthand how APM integrates operational excellence with a profound commitment to protecting our ocean's wildlife. From sharing our favorite sea lion photos to engaging in crucial discussions on marine safety, every encounter deepened our shared dedication to ocean conservation. We are excited to forge ahead with APM Terminals towards a sustainable future for marine mammals and our precious oceans.

🙃 Turn that frown upside down! Happy Monday, MMCC fam. Looking for something fun AND educational to do? Come visit our patients Fridays - Mondays from 10 am - 4 pm. Make a free reservation at marinemammalcare.org/visit-us!
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🌞 Happy Spotlight Saturday! Meet our Education Volunteer, Katherine, and our partners at Junior Lifeguards! Katherine presents to Junior
Lifeguards and their instructors on the pinnipeds of LA county, ways to tell if these animals are in distress, and how to contact the Marine Mammal Care Center and protect the animal until we arrive. "This outreach is particularly valuable because it engages kids and teens who are on the beaches the most and gives them the tools they need to conserve their local wildlife. By the end of the summer, we will have reached over 1,500 people. I am so happy that this collaboration will have such a broad impact, and hope this collaboration can continue for many summers to come!" Thank you, Katherine and LA County Lifeguards!

🥹 The ocean is welcoming our patient back with a wave of a hug 🌊
📸 Dolores Torres-Parker

❤️ Heart this post if you LOVE elephant seals!
PS: You can make a free reservation to visit our adorable patients at marinemammalcare.org/visit-us!

🥳 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY NOW OPEN at marinemammalcare.org/join-our-team! Happy Spotlight Saturday, meet our Animal Care training program intern, Auden. “I would recommend this internship program to anyone interested in marine sciences or animal care! Going through this program allowed me to explore job opportunities in the marine world. As well as I connected to many of my fellow interns, volunteers and staff, learned lots about marine mammals and veterinary practices, and gained some once-in-a-lifetime memories caring for these animals.”

🎉📣 Community help needed! We want to thank our newest corporate sponsor APM Terminals for supporting MMCC’s South Bay Rescue and Response program. Our response team is constantly patrolling local beaches and rescuing seals and sea lions in need. We now have 2 out of 3 of our rescue trucks with corporate logo recognition. 📣 Now, we need your help! Tag your favorite business or brand that you think should be featured on our last truck. Let’s work together to keep our local wildlife safe! 🦭🌊

With APM Terminals’ sponsorship, MMCC can advance our critical work in marine mammal conservation. Their partnership helps us respond to the growing number of marine mammals stranding in our community and make strides in preserving the health of our oceans, which is essential for both marine life and the maritime industry. “Supporting MMCC's mission aligns with this vision, as healthy marine ecosystems are vital to the sustainability of our operations and the communities we serve.” - Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Los Angeles 🧡 Thank you so much and !