Injured and stranded animals that are
cared for at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center include:
California Sea Lions. They can grow up to 800 lbs however
most of the ones at the center tend to be pups. California
sea lions like to breed on sandy beaches. They usually
swim no more than 10 miles out to sea and often gather
at marinas and wharves, and can also be seen on navigational
buoys. Sea lion's major predators are killer whales and
white sharks. Females are lighter in color than the males,
and pups are born dark, but lighten when they are several
months old.
Harbor Seals. The most common seal usually stay close
to shore and like to form groups onto rock outcrops, beaches
and piers. Breeding season is from March to May, and pupping
between April and May. Many pups get stranded along the
coast with some of them ending up at the Pacific Marine
Mammal Center for rest and rehabilitation. This pinniped
varies in color from brownish black to tan or gray. The
body and flippers are short, with a proportionately large,
rounded head.
Northern Elephant Seal These seals are
easy to recognize with the male having a large nose. The
males can grow to and 5,000 lb and females can reach 1,400
lbs. Elephant Seals were almost hunted to extinction by
the end of the 19th century for their blubber which was
used to make oil. Presently the northern elephant seal
is protected under the Federal Marine Mammal Act. Pupping
season is December to February, pups weigh about 75 pounds,
with occasional pup showing up at the marine center.
Northern Fur Seal. Adult males are stocky
in build, and have an enlarged neck that is thick and
wide. A mane of coarse longer guard hairs extends from
the lower neck to the shoulders and covers the nape, neck,
chest, and upper back. The northern fur seal is found
in the north Pacific – its southernmost reach is
a line that runs roughly from the southern tip of Japan
to the southern tip of the Baja California.
If you find any of these seals in distress along the Orange
County coast call the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Do
not try to rescue these creatures on your own. Rescue
crews have the proper equipment to safely secure and transport
the seal back to the marine center.
