Marine Mammal Care Center

Providing medical care to sick and injured marine mammals that are stranded along the Los Angeles Coastline

The mission of the Marine Mammal Care Center is to inspire ocean conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, education, and research. Our vision is of a healthy ocean ecosystem where people and marine life thrive together. Marine mammals are ecosystem indicators, and these animals provide insights into human and ocean health threats. We are taking action today to support a network of professionals and stewards to protect our shared ocean environment for future generations. 

Why is it important?

Our ocean is in trouble. Human activity is threatening marine ecosystems that have been thriving since before our arrival. From increasing ocean temperatures and acidification to the depletion of fish stocks, our ocean, vital to all life on earth, needs our help. As an essential first responder to these threats, the Marine Mammal Care Center is a leader in the field of ocean conservation through marine mammal response, veterinary medicine, science, and education. 

How do they do it?

Since 1992, MMCC has cared for close to 10,000 marine mammals along 70 miles of Los Angeles County coastline and Catalina Island. With a volunteer force of 200 and the support of the concerned public, MMCC is able to treat and rehabilitate sick and injured animals at our wildlife veterinary facility until they can be released back to their ocean home. MMCC’s education programs provide virtual and in-person engagements to diverse audiences. Key audiences include K-12 schools, volunteers, conservation partners, and the general public.

How you can #TravelKindly:

• Choose Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles as your local charity when you book hotels with Kind Traveler
• Share the Shore with wildlife! Give marine mammals at least 30 feet of space on the beach and use your zoom to take a picture – no selfies, please!
• Minimize single-use and disposable items when traveling – the waste can add up quickly.
• Enjoy local seafood while dining out, but make sure to ask if it is sustainably caught or sourced.
• Plan a visit to the Marine Mammal Care Center located in San Pedro and open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 10 am-4 pm
• Donate online to help sick and injured marine animals return to their ocean home
• Apply to become an animal care volunteer to provide animals with food, care, and a clean and safe environment to recover in
• Apply to become an educational volunteer and help the public learn about the animals  in care, ocean conservation, and what they can do to protect our oceans https://marinemammalcare.org/join-our-team/
• Apply to become a gift shop volunteer and help visitors make purchases which in turn helps to fund MMCC 
• Apply for internships, veterinary professionals and students can apply for competitive internships or externships that provide professional training alongside experts onsite at MMCC 

   San Pedro, CA