Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

 

Rescuing CA Seals and Sea Lions

 


Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

 

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, CA, has rescued sick and injured seals and sea lions for fifty years.

 


Started in 1971 by lifeguards Jim Stauffer and John Cunningham and veterinarian Rose Ekeberg, the center was originally in Stauffer's home and had two patients – a seal and a sea lion found on the beach.


By 1976 the center moved to larger digs in an unused barn on Laguna Canyon Road that was owned by the city.

 


With the help of volunteers, the center has evolved into a state-of-the-art medical, education and research facility that's rescued more than 10,000 marine mammals (including sea turtles and dolphins). 

 


Laguna Beach students have gotten on board at the center, too, helping to treat and care for the mammals, while getting hands-on experience for their marine science classes. 


Each year more than 50,000 visitors come by the center to see its marine patients and participate in nature programs.


Promoting and teaching conservation is one of the center's priorities. Its visitor area, habitat, butterfly garden, and adjacent creek are designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Foundation.

 


From its modest start, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center has grown into a place that has helped so many. Not just the animals it saves, but the people who have been given a place to come together, to learn, and to give back to the community.

 

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

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