About Us
Inspiring ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, education, and research
The Center rehabilitates sick and injured marine mammals at our hospital until they can be released back to the wild. Annually, the Center cares for 250 to 500 sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals, and harbor seals. Since 1992, we’ve cared for more than 10,000 marine mammals. As a partner in the NOAA Stranding Network, the Center helps grow scientific understanding of the animal populations we treat by tracking the occurrence of disease and human-related stranding events. Our experts develop treatment protocols and best practices to deliver outstanding care to animals in need and collaborate with scientists from around the country to conduct non-invasive research.
MMCC rescues and responds to marine mammals along the entire coast of Los Angeles County, including Catalina Island, and recent trends indicate that strandings will continue to increase, with cyclical spikes occurring more frequently. Causes of strandings include malnutrition, infectious diseases, entanglements, and toxicity from harmful algal blooms, among other threats. On average, our experts respond to 750 to 1,000 reports of marine mammals in distress each year. Additionally, in 2023, MMCC joined NOAA’s National Large Whale Entanglement Response Network to help save the growing number of whales entangled in fishing gear that traverse our coastline.
MMCC’s education programs provide learning opportunities for K-12 students, community organizations, conservation partners, and the public. Our programs are designed to be inquiry-driven and learner-centric, emphasizing the important role that we all play in environmental stewardship. We create experiences that motivate, inspire and equip people to take concrete actions to protect the ocean and marine mammals. The Center is also a unique training ground for veterinary and animal care professionals. Our Teaching Hospital combines hands-on practical experience, innovative medicine and meaningful professional collaboration.
Marine mammals are ecosystem indicators, and these animals provide insights into human and ocean health threats. That’s why our veterinary team contributes to important scientific research to advance marine animal rehabilitation and broader conversation efforts. They also partner with scientists around the country to collaborate on environmental investigations and findings. Together, we are taking action today to support a network of professionals and stewards to protect our shared ocean environment for future generations.
The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles (MMCC) has a rich history marked by tireless dedication, passion and thoughtful evolution, resulting in the vibrant, vital nonprofit community partner it is today.
The Center first opened its doors at Fort MacArthur in 1992 as part of Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich (HBJ), a U.S. based publishing company. Since then, MMCC has cared for more than 10,000 animals and become the sole organization responsible for rescuing more marine mammals per mile of coastline than any other stranding organization in the country.
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