2 northern elephant seal pups that were rescued and rehabilitated at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach were released June 11, 2011.
About Pacific Marine Mammal Center
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.
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.
The length of stay varies with each patient and depends on the severity of their medical problems. However, the average length of stay is three months. These animals are wild and our goal is to release them back into the ocean. While we do get attached to them, we make every effort to avoid domestication of these wild animals. It is much to the animal’s advantage to avoid humans in their natural habitat. Animals near boats, docks, and public beaches have a higher risk of injury from entanglement, fish hooks, as well as harassment. By preventing the socialization of animals at the Center, we hope to minimize the amount of human interactions these animals will encounter after their release back into the wild.
To learn more about the center visit their website
[…] Seals Rehabilitated and Released Back to the Ocean – Two Little … These animals are wild and our goal is to release them back into the ocean. While we do get attached to them, we make every effort to avoid domestication of these wild animals It is much to the animal's advantage to avoid humans in their natural habitat. Animals near boats, docks, and public beaches have a higher risk of injury from entanglement, fish hooks, as well as harassment. By preventing the socialization of animals at the Subscribe in a reader […]