Nestled along the picturesque Palos Verdes Peninsula, the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) in San Pedro is more than just a hospital for distressed marine mammals, it’s a hub of education, inspiration, and action. With a beautifully reimagined visitor experience, the MMCC is inviting everyone to step inside, learn about the ocean’s incredible apex predators, and take action to protect our marine ecosystems.
An Unforgettable Visitor Experience
John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, shared his excitement about the recent upgrades to the facility. “We’ve really built out our visitor experience,” Warner explained. “We now have beautifully renovated spaces with interactive exhibits, including a play area where kids can dress up as veterinarians and examine patient X-rays and charts, and check out skulls and bones. It’s all designed to show everyone just how amazing these apex predators are.”
For those unfamiliar, apex predators, such as sea lions, orcas, and polar bears, are animals at the very top of the food chain. These fascinating creatures play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, making the work done at MMCC even more essential.
A Rescue Hub Like No Other
The Marine Mammal Care Center rescues more marine mammals per mile of coastline in Los Angeles County than anywhere else in the United States. With a 75-mile stretch of coastline under its care, the MMCC is a lifeline for injured, sick, and orphaned marine mammals. Visitors can witness the rescue and rehabilitation process firsthand, including stories of patients overcoming incredible odds to one day return to their ocean home.
“We have some of the best-trained docents and volunteers,” Warner said. “They can share at least four different patient stories at any given time. Every visitor who comes in not only learns about the animals and what they’re dealing with but also leaves with actionable steps they can take to help protect marine life.”
Puppalooza: A Must-See for Animal Lovers
If there’s ever a perfect time to visit, it’s during pup season, which runs from January through June. Right now, MMCC is caring for sea lion pups, some of the cutest and most vulnerable patients. “Sea lion pups come to us after being weaned too early or because their mothers are no longer around,” Warner explained. “Then, as the season progresses, we start seeing elephant seals, followed by harbor seals. It’s really a ‘puppalooza’ of marine mammals!”
Visitors can witness these adorable pups as they grow stronger under the care of MMCC’s dedicated veterinary team. It’s an experience that’s both heartwarming and eye-opening. To enhance the learning experience, MMCC has introduced new signage that explains why these animals come into care and what people can do to help. Warner emphasized, “Anyone who visits takes away something meaningful, whether it’s knowledge, inspiration, or specific actions they can take to make a difference.”
Plan Your Visit
The Marine Mammal Care Center is more than just a place to learn about marine life—it’s an opportunity to see one of the busiest marine mammal hospitals in action. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Los Angeles County, MMCC offers a unique chance to connect with the ocean and its inhabitants in a meaningful way.
So, come meet the pups, learn about apex predators, and discover how you can be part of the solution to protect our marine ecosystems. There’s never been a better time to visit the Marine Mammal Care Center.
Visit the Marine Mammal Care Center:
3601 South Gaffey St. #8
San Pedro, California
(310) 548-5677
