Ep 039 | Caring for California's Marine Mammals

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