Marine Mammal Care Center at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro recently released three rehabilitated elephant seal pups back into the ocean, marking the end of a successful season for the species. The pups, brought to the center as babies, underwent long-term rehabilitation for bacterial infections and learned how to forage for themselves. One of the pups, named “Destiny,” initially hesitated but eventually made the decision to head into the sea. The center’s CEO, John Warner, emphasized the importance of allowing the animals to acclimate to their natural habitats at their own pace. Elephant seals, nearly extinct in the past, now thrive along the West Coast, with some heading to the Channel Islands and others venturing as far as Mexico. The center is also a finalist for the Animal, Wildlife, and Marine Welfare Award, with the prize being a Land Rover vehicle that would aid in animal rescues along the coastline. The center urges the public to vote online to support their nomination. The facility is the only year-round marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center in Los Angeles County, with a focus on rescuing emaciated elephant seal pups and other marine mammals in need. Plans for expanding the center are in progress to accommodate more animals and visitors. Overall, the successful release of the rehabilitated elephant seal pups is a testament to the center’s dedication to marine conservation and animal welfare.
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