A Safe Place for a Sea Lion to Land
The Marine Mammal Care Center of Los Angeles county is the only hope for animals like Björn
Instead of on the sand, in the ocean, or even on a wooden dock, Björn the sea lion rests at the end of a paved, winding road. It may not be his natural habitat, but this home is quite literally a lifesaver. His current residence includes a collection of concrete basins and a few kiddie pools, courtesy of the Marine Mammal Care Center, which is a compact facility with an outsize mission: to rehabilitate any marine mammal found to be in need in Los Angeles County.
It’s a lengthy coastline of 70 miles, stretching from north to south, from Malibu to its San Pedro location. It’s the only 24-hour, year-round center serving the entire area. Björn may be far from his previous Pacific Ocean dwellings, but he has plenty of familiar company whether it be the flocks of noisy seagulls or a variety of other seal and sea lion patients.
There are plenty of reasons why an animal might end up at the Marine Mammal Care Center. Oftentimes it’s because they’ve become entangled and injured due to commercial fishing nets. Frequently it’s…
