Pacific Marine Mammal Center was the first marine mammal rehabilitation facility in California and was established prior to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. They now share the responsibility for marine mammal rehabilitation with six other centres along California’s coastline.
The rescued marine mammals include California sea lions, northern elephant seals, Pacific harbour seals and fur seals. The majority of the patients are pups under a year old suffering from dehydration and malnutrition after stranding on Orange County beaches.
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center has an area where visitors can meet the rescued seals and also has interactive displays, marine mammal artifacts, and a Treasure Trove gift shop. There is no charge for admission, but donations are appreciated!