Pacific Marine Mammal Center (California)'s Notes
Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals stranded along the Orange County coastline and to the increasing public awareness of the marine environment through education and research.
RESCUE
Unlike whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions don't have to remain in water in order to survive. The animals beach themselves to be warm and dry when feeling ill. They seek rest on land for a variety of reasons and are not always in need of intervention. Our staff is trained to recognize animals suffering from infections, malnourishment, pneumonia, gill net strangulation, etc. which can harm an animal's chance for survival.
REHABILITATION
When a "patient" is admitted, our staff performs all necessary procedures under the direction and protocols set by the Animal Care Director and our Veterinary Medical Director. During the course of rehabilitation, animals require a variety of treatments, such as administration of antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids, tube feeding, force feeding, wound care, etc. Most animals come in dehydrated, and the most effective means to provide fluids and nourishment is through tube feeding. The process requires blending of fish, electrolytes, warm water, vitamins, and medication into a fish formula. This formula is fed to the animals by inserting a flexible tube into the stomach using large syringes. As soon as the animals are hydrated and stable, we wean them to eat whole fish.
RELEASE
Once an animal has gained an optimal weight and is competing for food, it's ready for release. Prior to release, each animal is tagged with an identification number. The color-coded tags indicate the animal has been rehabilitated and helps identify the specific animal and care center in case the animal needs care in the future. We strive to return every one of our patients back to the wild once their care with us is complete.
RESEARCH
An important part of marine mammal recovery is ongoing research. Research is being done to find the pathological conditions that affect the marine mammals of Southern California. Only through this research are we able to discover the cause-effect relationships that can help us to understand the best means to rehabilitate our marine mammal patients.
RESCUE
Unlike whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions don't have to remain in water in order to survive. The animals beach themselves to be warm and dry when feeling ill. They seek rest on land for a variety of reasons and are not always in need of intervention. Our staff is trained to recognize animals suffering from infections, malnourishment, pneumonia, gill net strangulation, etc. which can harm an animal's chance for survival.
REHABILITATION
When a "patient" is admitted, our staff performs all necessary procedures under the direction and protocols set by the Animal Care Director and our Veterinary Medical Director. During the course of rehabilitation, animals require a variety of treatments, such as administration of antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids, tube feeding, force feeding, wound care, etc. Most animals come in dehydrated, and the most effective means to provide fluids and nourishment is through tube feeding. The process requires blending of fish, electrolytes, warm water, vitamins, and medication into a fish formula. This formula is fed to the animals by inserting a flexible tube into the stomach using large syringes. As soon as the animals are hydrated and stable, we wean them to eat whole fish.
RELEASE
Once an animal has gained an optimal weight and is competing for food, it's ready for release. Prior to release, each animal is tagged with an identification number. The color-coded tags indicate the animal has been rehabilitated and helps identify the specific animal and care center in case the animal needs care in the future. We strive to return every one of our patients back to the wild once their care with us is complete.
RESEARCH
An important part of marine mammal recovery is ongoing research. Research is being done to find the pathological conditions that affect the marine mammals of Southern California. Only through this research are we able to discover the cause-effect relationships that can help us to understand the best means to rehabilitate our marine mammal patients.
Volunteer crew members are needed for all days and all shifts. Shifts are a minimum of 4 hours, and we require a one year commitment for new volunteers.
Animal Care: Opportunities include feeding, preparing fish for meals, cleaning pens, washing fish buckets and dishes, laundering soiled blankets, restraining, rescues, and releases.
Docent (Education Volunteer): Opportunities include giving tours and presentations to kids and adults and helping with education/outreach programs.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please call PMMC (949) 494-3050. You must be 18 years or older to volunteer.
Animal Care: Opportunities include feeding, preparing fish for meals, cleaning pens, washing fish buckets and dishes, laundering soiled blankets, restraining, rescues, and releases.
Docent (Education Volunteer): Opportunities include giving tours and presentations to kids and adults and helping with education/outreach programs.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please call PMMC (949) 494-3050. You must be 18 years or older to volunteer.
FIELDTRIPS
We welcome groups of all sizes to experience our marine mammal rehabilitation facility first-hand. Fieldtrips include a guided tour of the animal care facility, a slide show presentation of the typical animals and medical conditions we treat, and an opportunity to visit the current patients being rehabilitated in our outdoor pools.
Please call us to reserve a spot. We can be reached Monday - Friday from 9AM-5PM at (949) 494-3050 or education@pacificmmc.org
Program Length: 1 hour
Program Fee: You would pay a $25 confirmation fee to hold your date and time, plus $5 per person on the day of your visit. Please note that the $25 confirmation fee is non-refundable.
Scheduling: We can schedule programs for most weekdays and weekends between 10AM and 3PM, depending on our docent's availability. We do not book fieldtrips during our summer camp.
With special arrangement, we are able to accommodate groups of 35 to 70 people. Please call us for more information.
CAMP PINNIPED
Join our staff and marine mammals for a week of fun at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s Camp Pinniped! During our unique summer program for children ages 8 to 12, a class of 18 students will spend the week at our center and learn all about the animals in our care.
This unique program is for children ages 8-12. Camp size is limited to 18 students.
* Week 1 - June 23rd - June 27th
* Week 2 - July 7th - July 11th
* Week 3 - July 14th - July 18th
* Week 4 - July 28th - August 1st
* Week 5 - August 4th - August 8th
* Week 6 - August 18th - August 22nd
* Week 7 - August 25th - August 29th
Call soon if you’re interested – spaces are limited!
(949) 494-3050
Camp hours will be 9AM to 3PM Monday through Thursday, and 9AM -12PM on Friday.
Cost: $285 per camper
$265 for members
KID'S CLUB
Our after-school kids club meets one Friday per month during the school year. Students catch up with our marine mammal patients and explore different topics in marine biology with hands-on experiments and arts and crafts.
AFTER-SCHOOL KID’S CLUB: Keep the summer camp experience alive during the school year by signing up for our after-school kid’s club. The club meets once a month from September to May.
If you are interested in sending your child to After School Kid's Club this year, you may print the registration page and mail the completed forms to Pacific Marine Mammal Center found on our website.
GIRL SCOUT BADGE WORKSHOP
These programs are specially designed for Brownie or Junior Girl Scout troops. Girls will have a great time earning their Flippers, Fins and Flukes badge or Marine Life Try-it.
Marine Life Try It Program for Brownie Girl Scouts
Program Length: One hour and twenty minutes
Program Cost: $25 confirmation fee to hold your date and time, plus $6 per girl on the day of your visit. Parents and siblings are welcome to tag along at $4 each. Try-it patches are included.
Program Requirements: This program requires a prior trip to the beach for a short activity. Troops should complete the beach activity before coming to the Center.
Group Size: 6 to 35
Flippers, Fins and Flukes for Junior Girl Scouts
Program Length: 2 hours
Program Cost: $25 confirmation fee + $10 per girl, plus $4 for chaperones and siblings. Badges are included.
Program Requirements: None
Group Size: 6 to 20 people
Please call us at (949) 494-3050 to schedule a workshop.
We welcome groups of all sizes to experience our marine mammal rehabilitation facility first-hand. Fieldtrips include a guided tour of the animal care facility, a slide show presentation of the typical animals and medical conditions we treat, and an opportunity to visit the current patients being rehabilitated in our outdoor pools.
Please call us to reserve a spot. We can be reached Monday - Friday from 9AM-5PM at (949) 494-3050 or education@pacificmmc.org
Program Length: 1 hour
Program Fee: You would pay a $25 confirmation fee to hold your date and time, plus $5 per person on the day of your visit. Please note that the $25 confirmation fee is non-refundable.
Scheduling: We can schedule programs for most weekdays and weekends between 10AM and 3PM, depending on our docent's availability. We do not book fieldtrips during our summer camp.
With special arrangement, we are able to accommodate groups of 35 to 70 people. Please call us for more information.
CAMP PINNIPED
Join our staff and marine mammals for a week of fun at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s Camp Pinniped! During our unique summer program for children ages 8 to 12, a class of 18 students will spend the week at our center and learn all about the animals in our care.
This unique program is for children ages 8-12. Camp size is limited to 18 students.
* Week 1 - June 23rd - June 27th
* Week 2 - July 7th - July 11th
* Week 3 - July 14th - July 18th
* Week 4 - July 28th - August 1st
* Week 5 - August 4th - August 8th
* Week 6 - August 18th - August 22nd
* Week 7 - August 25th - August 29th
Call soon if you’re interested – spaces are limited!
(949) 494-3050
Camp hours will be 9AM to 3PM Monday through Thursday, and 9AM -12PM on Friday.
Cost: $285 per camper
$265 for members
KID'S CLUB
Our after-school kids club meets one Friday per month during the school year. Students catch up with our marine mammal patients and explore different topics in marine biology with hands-on experiments and arts and crafts.
AFTER-SCHOOL KID’S CLUB: Keep the summer camp experience alive during the school year by signing up for our after-school kid’s club. The club meets once a month from September to May.
If you are interested in sending your child to After School Kid's Club this year, you may print the registration page and mail the completed forms to Pacific Marine Mammal Center found on our website.
GIRL SCOUT BADGE WORKSHOP
These programs are specially designed for Brownie or Junior Girl Scout troops. Girls will have a great time earning their Flippers, Fins and Flukes badge or Marine Life Try-it.
Marine Life Try It Program for Brownie Girl Scouts
Program Length: One hour and twenty minutes
Program Cost: $25 confirmation fee to hold your date and time, plus $6 per girl on the day of your visit. Parents and siblings are welcome to tag along at $4 each. Try-it patches are included.
Program Requirements: This program requires a prior trip to the beach for a short activity. Troops should complete the beach activity before coming to the Center.
Group Size: 6 to 35
Flippers, Fins and Flukes for Junior Girl Scouts
Program Length: 2 hours
Program Cost: $25 confirmation fee + $10 per girl, plus $4 for chaperones and siblings. Badges are included.
Program Requirements: None
Group Size: 6 to 20 people
Please call us at (949) 494-3050 to schedule a workshop.
There are many ways that you may help us to better care for marine mammals!
DONATIONS
We are appreciative of the generosity of the individuals, foundations, and corporations that provide the continuing support necessary for the ongoing health and growth of our organization. This generosity and support allows our Center to continue providing critical care for marine mammals, expanding our quality education programs, and making improvements to our Laguna Canyon facility.
VEHICLE DONATIONS
If you're thinking of replacing an older car, or have an RV or boat that isn't used anymore, consider the benefits of donating it to Pacific Marine Mammal Center. You will ensure that you receive a fair market value as a tax deduction and help Pacific Marine Mammal Center at a time when your support is most needed. Donating your vehicle is a simple process and PMMC is guaranteed to receive 70 % to 80% of the value of the vehicle. Please contact Pacific Marine Mammal Center's Development Department at 949.494.3050 for more information about vehicle donations.
MATCHING GIFTS
Matching Gifts Can Double Your Donation!
If your employer participates in a matching gifts program, they will match your donation to Pacific Marine Mammal Center and your gift will provide twice as much fish for our marine mammal patients! Please call Pacific Marine Mammal Center at 949.494.3050 to inquire about participating companies.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Please contact Pacific Marine Mammal Center's Development Department at 949.494.3050 for more information about corporate sponsorships.
MEMBERSHIP
Taking part in our annual membership program offers you the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the care and rehabilitation of sick and injured seals and sea lions. You are also helping us to educate thousands of community members about marine mammals and their environment. PLUS, you get to take part in EXCLUSIVE benefits and experiences that are only available to our members. Join us today!
* Elephant Seal Club: $25 donation
* Harbor Seal Club: $50 donation
* Sea Lion Club: $125 donation
* Fur Seal Club: $300 donation
* Pacific Pinniped Club: $500 donation
* Protectors Circle: $1000+ donation
Membership lasts for one year and requires a $25 minimum donation. Thank you for supporting Pacific Marine Mammal Center!
If you have any questions or comments about our membership program, please don’t hesitate to call us at (949) 494-3050.
WISH LIST
Help can also come in the form of items that we use everyday at the center to keep things running smoothly. Items are listed in order of greatest need.
Please think of PMMC on your next shopping trip!
* Light Karo Syrup
* Unflavored Pedialyte( this is especially important for our pups)
* 3-inch chlorine tablets (found in pool supply section)
* $.41 stamps
* Epson 78 and HP 94/96 and HP 95/97 ink cartridges
* Staples or Office Max Gift Cards
* Home Depot or Lowes Gift Cards
* Tide liquid laundry detergent
* Rolls of 1 inch Masking Tape (Scotch or 3M brands)
* White Photo and Printer paper
* Bleach
* Toilet Paper
* Permanent Markers
* Bottled Water
* Snacks for Volunteers
* Paper Towels
* Dawn dishwashing detergent
* Blankets (no sheets or towels please)
eSCRIP
Sign up with eScrip and every time you shop at any of over 6,000 merchants, a percentage of your purchase will benefit Pacific Marine Mammal Center!
Merchants include: American Airlines, Baja Fresh, Claim Jumper, Von's, Macy's, Pavillions, Carnival Cruise Lines, Coco's, Office Max, Pick Up Stix, Bristol Farms, to name a few.
* Merchant Guide
* Donate your Used Vehicle
* Online Merchants
FEED A RESCUED MARINE MAMMAL
Shop for a gift that gives more with The Animal Rescue Site Purchase. This gift and you will provide food for a sick or injured sea lion for one day. Your purchase is tax-deductible in the U.S.A., and you will receive a receipt from GreaterGood.org for your taxes. 100% of this gift goes directly to PMMC.
DONATIONS
We are appreciative of the generosity of the individuals, foundations, and corporations that provide the continuing support necessary for the ongoing health and growth of our organization. This generosity and support allows our Center to continue providing critical care for marine mammals, expanding our quality education programs, and making improvements to our Laguna Canyon facility.
VEHICLE DONATIONS
If you're thinking of replacing an older car, or have an RV or boat that isn't used anymore, consider the benefits of donating it to Pacific Marine Mammal Center. You will ensure that you receive a fair market value as a tax deduction and help Pacific Marine Mammal Center at a time when your support is most needed. Donating your vehicle is a simple process and PMMC is guaranteed to receive 70 % to 80% of the value of the vehicle. Please contact Pacific Marine Mammal Center's Development Department at 949.494.3050 for more information about vehicle donations.
MATCHING GIFTS
Matching Gifts Can Double Your Donation!
If your employer participates in a matching gifts program, they will match your donation to Pacific Marine Mammal Center and your gift will provide twice as much fish for our marine mammal patients! Please call Pacific Marine Mammal Center at 949.494.3050 to inquire about participating companies.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Please contact Pacific Marine Mammal Center's Development Department at 949.494.3050 for more information about corporate sponsorships.
MEMBERSHIP
Taking part in our annual membership program offers you the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the care and rehabilitation of sick and injured seals and sea lions. You are also helping us to educate thousands of community members about marine mammals and their environment. PLUS, you get to take part in EXCLUSIVE benefits and experiences that are only available to our members. Join us today!
* Elephant Seal Club: $25 donation
* Harbor Seal Club: $50 donation
* Sea Lion Club: $125 donation
* Fur Seal Club: $300 donation
* Pacific Pinniped Club: $500 donation
* Protectors Circle: $1000+ donation
Membership lasts for one year and requires a $25 minimum donation. Thank you for supporting Pacific Marine Mammal Center!
If you have any questions or comments about our membership program, please don’t hesitate to call us at (949) 494-3050.
WISH LIST
Help can also come in the form of items that we use everyday at the center to keep things running smoothly. Items are listed in order of greatest need.
Please think of PMMC on your next shopping trip!
* Light Karo Syrup
* Unflavored Pedialyte( this is especially important for our pups)
* 3-inch chlorine tablets (found in pool supply section)
* $.41 stamps
* Epson 78 and HP 94/96 and HP 95/97 ink cartridges
* Staples or Office Max Gift Cards
* Home Depot or Lowes Gift Cards
* Tide liquid laundry detergent
* Rolls of 1 inch Masking Tape (Scotch or 3M brands)
* White Photo and Printer paper
* Bleach
* Toilet Paper
* Permanent Markers
* Bottled Water
* Snacks for Volunteers
* Paper Towels
* Dawn dishwashing detergent
* Blankets (no sheets or towels please)
eSCRIP
Sign up with eScrip and every time you shop at any of over 6,000 merchants, a percentage of your purchase will benefit Pacific Marine Mammal Center!
Merchants include: American Airlines, Baja Fresh, Claim Jumper, Von's, Macy's, Pavillions, Carnival Cruise Lines, Coco's, Office Max, Pick Up Stix, Bristol Farms, to name a few.
* Merchant Guide
* Donate your Used Vehicle
* Online Merchants
FEED A RESCUED MARINE MAMMAL
Shop for a gift that gives more with The Animal Rescue Site Purchase. This gift and you will provide food for a sick or injured sea lion for one day. Your purchase is tax-deductible in the U.S.A., and you will receive a receipt from GreaterGood.org for your taxes. 100% of this gift goes directly to PMMC.
A marine animal in need of our help.
The release of an animal because of the community's help!
They are going HOME!