We are lucky to live in a state like California that provides us such a diverse ecosystem to for us to learn about. Located in the Marin Headlands, the Marine Mammal Center for years has worked hard to preserve the health of Northern California’s Coast and the wildlife that populates it. Our guest today is one of the many veterinarians at the Marine Mammal Center who work tirelessly to save natures animals. Please welcome to the podcast, Dr. Abby McClain.

Hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL)            Website: marinemammalcenter.org

Camps & Classes: marinemammalcenter.org/education/

Volunteer: marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/volunteer/

Getting Started

  • Currently interim veterinarian
  • Decided to be a vet in the 3rd grade
  • Would care for lots of animals as a kid
  • Came to California at a young age, originally from Iowa

Becoming a Vet

  • A 4-year program
  • Need to fulfill prerequisites
  • 4 years of Veterinarian school
  • Board exam to become a vet
  • Specialty training
  • Graduated in 2016, joined Marine Mammal Center in 2017

Marine Mammal Center

  • Main hospital in Sausalito
  • Satellite locations
  • Largest hospital of its kind in the country
  • Cover 600 miles of coastline

Animals Treated

  • Pinnipeds most common
  • Seals majority
  • Elephant seal sizes

Various Ailments

  • Sickness, injury or entanglements
  • Sometimes hurt because of human involvement
  • Rescuing process
  • 600-800 animals treated a year
  • 20,000+ total since founding

Locating and Rescuing Animals

  • Hotline: 415-289-7325 (SEAL)
  • Call in when you see an animal
  • KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
  • Animal welfare the #1 concern
  • Release process
  • Tagging and tracking animals

Unique Animals Rescued

  • Guadalupe Seal
  • Stellar Sea Lion

Classes

  • Targeting the next generation of animal savers
  • Ocean Ambassadors: Middle School program
  • Sunday Classes for all ages
  • Marine Science Sunday
  • Summer Camp: For elementary level students
  • Camp SeaQuest

Funding

  • Donations are 85% of funding
  • Non-profit
  • Volunteering at The Center
  • 1,200 active volunteers now totally 135,000 work hours

Climate Change

  • Impact on California Coasts
  • If the animals are healthy then the ocean is healthy
  • Warm water pushes food further from the shore
  • Preservation tips
  • Most animals are hurt by human involvement
  • Straws are the most common problem
  • Sustainable seafood
  • Little things count
  • More animals affected than can be treated

Wrap up/ Contact Information

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