Pacific Marine Mammal Center- Providing Care and Rehabilitation for Marine Mammals in Orange County Since 1971
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit organization founded in 1971, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals stranded along the coastline of Orange County, California.
Each year, the PMMC rescue over 600 marine mammals- seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales. The PMMC is located in Laguna Beach and is open to the public for tours and education programs.
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center provides care for ill, injured, and orphaned marine mammals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. The center relies on volunteers to assist with the animals’ care. Some of the duties volunteers perform include preparing meals, leading educational tours, and helping with administrative tasks.
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center has responded to many mass strandings over the years. In 2015, over 1,200 Sea Lions were stranded along the OC coastline due to a lack of food. The event was declared an “unusual mortality event” by NOAA Fisheries Service. The PMMC rescued and cared for 400 of those sea lions.
Volunteers are vital to the success of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. If you are interested in volunteering, you can fill out an application on their website. You must be at least 18 years old and commit to volunteering for at least 4 hours per week for 6 months.
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is an amazing organization that has been rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals since 1971. They rely on volunteers to help with the animals’ care and have many opportunities available. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about marine mammals, be sure to check out the Pacific Marine Mammal Center!