About Us
Inspiring ocean conservation through marine animal rehabilitation, education, and research.
We are the only 24/7/365 safe haven for marine animals in Los Angeles County.
Over 8,000 animals have been given crucial veterinary care, food, and shelter by our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Our animal care team saves lives!
Our veterinary team contributes to important scientific research to advance marine animal rehabilitation and broader conversation efforts.
We partner with scientists around the country to collaborate on environmental investigations and findings.
We provide onsite and virtual educational opportunities for students and the public to build community and teach participants about ocean conservation.
MMCC provides education programming like tours, field trips, classes, and social media live streams.
- 1978
Marineland of the Pacific opened its Marine Mammal Care Center and incorporated a docent program, Organization for the Respect and Care of Animals of the Sea (ORCAS). - 1987
Marineland closed; arrangements were made to build and to open Marine Mammal Care Center in Angels Gate Park in San Pedro across from Fort MacArthur. This was a collaboration with the purchaser of the Marineland property and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). - 1992
Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort McArthur officially opened on October 1st, 1992 and was managed by the Foundation for Marine Animal Husbandry, a Florida 501(c)(3) organization. - 2016
On September 1, 2016 MMCC assumed responsibility for the hospital and officially became a 501(c)(3) relying on public donations for its survival. - 2019
At the end of 2019, MMCC faced a financial crisis and needed to raise $1 million dollars in 6 months to keep its doors opened. - 2020
June 2020, despite closure from the pandemic, the MMCC community came together and surpassed the $1 million dollar goal through individual and corporate donations, fundraisers, grants and more. - 2021
After overcoming the financial challenges of 2019 and the pandemic, we are proud to say that MMCC is on the path toward long term financial sustainability and our team is committed to making a difference in the world for not only the animals we treat but every person who interacts with our center.
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