In celebration of Earth Day, the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) in San Pedro is calling on the community to join in the fight for ocean conservation. As John Warner, CEO of MMCC, powerfully states:
“In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, one thing remains constant, our ocean needs us. This Earth Day, let’s rise above the noise and focus on what we can change. Every marine mammal we rescue, every seal we rehabilitate, and every sea lion we return to the wild is a reminder that compassion and action still make a difference. The challenges are big, but so is our collective impact. Join us—volunteer, donate, speak up—because protecting our oceans isn’t just an Earth Day commitment; it’s a promise to future generations.”
This Earth Day, MMCC invites the public to take action and explore how each of us can make a tangible difference in preserving marine life. With a renewed focus on education and sustainability, the center offers a unique chance to witness the rehabilitation of marine mammals firsthand and learn about their critical roles in our ocean’s health.
In addition to encouraging public involvement, Warner shared his enthusiasm about welcoming AltaSea to the port saying:
“On behalf of the Marine Mammal Care Center, I’m thrilled to welcome AltaSea to the San Pedro community of marine and ocean conservation organizations. Their dedication to ocean innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with our shared mission to protect marine life and inspire future generations. Together, we are strengthening Southern California’s role as a leader in ocean conservation, research, and education.”
This partnership not only amplifies MMCC’s efforts in marine science and rescue operations but also furthers the shared mission of advancing sustainability initiatives and ocean innovation. MMCC has revamped its visitor experience with interactive exhibits, including a hands-on play area where kids can role-play as veterinarians. These features highlight the importance of apex predators like sea lions, orcas, and polar bears in marine ecosystems, while also promoting conservation education.
MMCC rescues more marine mammals per mile than any other facility in Los Angeles County, covering a 75-mile stretch of coastline. The center cares for sick, injured, and orphaned animals, offering visitors a chance to see rehabilitation in action. During pup season (January to June), MMCC cares for vulnerable sea lion pups, along with elephant and harbor seals.
“It’s truly a ‘puppalooza’ of marine mammals,” says Warner. Visitors can watch these animals recover under the expert care of the veterinary team, with educational signage explaining the rehabilitation process and how they can help protect marine life. MMCC is not only a sanctuary but also an important educational resource, offering a front-row seat to one of the busiest marine mammal hospitals in the region. Whether you’re a local or visiting Los Angeles County, there’s never been a better time to visit MMCC, witness rehabilitation in action, meet the adorable pups, and learn how you can contribute to the future of our oceans.
Help the Sea Lions
Sea lions are showing up sick along L.A. County shores. This occurs when harmful algae blooms release a neurotoxin that affects marine life, including sea mammals. You can help by following these important steps:
- Give sick sea lions space. Sea lions affected by domoic acid can be especially aggressive and may wake from a seizure with little notice, so it’s important to give them room to avoid further stress.
- Call MMCC’s Rescue Hotline at 1-800-39-WHALE and inform other beachgoers about the situation so the animal can be safely assisted.
- Make a donation today. Your generosity helps provide food, shelter, and veterinary care to sick animals. Visit marinemammalcare.org to contribute.
By taking these actions, you’re directly supporting MMCC’s efforts to rescue and care for marine mammals impacted by domoic acid and other environmental threats.
Meet MMCC CEO John Warner: A Passionate Advocate for Marine Mammals
John Warner, the CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, is a devoted advocate for marine life. His journey toward nonprofit leadership began in childhood, driven by a deep love for marine mammals and a sense of urgency to protect them.
As Warner reflects, “My passion for marine mammals started in elementary school when I learned about their near extinction due to hunting for pet food, heating oil, and fur. I remember feeling powerless to help these animals I loved seeing along the coast. It wasn’t until college that I discovered the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a groundbreaking law that helped species rebound because people took action and made a difference. That realization changed me.”
Today, Warner channels that passion into his work at MMCC. Under his leadership, MMCC’s efforts have expanded, emphasizing both the direct care of marine mammals and the vital role of public education in ocean conservation.
Before joining MMCC in 2023, Warner made a significant impact at The Marine Mammal Center in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he served as Chief Development & Communications Officer and Interim Program Officer. Throughout his career, he has raised funds and advocated for various nonprofit causes. Warner holds a B.A. from the University of San Francisco and an MPA from San Francisco State University.
“What I love about MMCC is its dedication to giving sick, injured, and stranded marine mammals a second chance. Through expert care, rescue efforts, and public education, we save animals while inspiring people to protect the ocean ecosystem. It’s where compassion meets action, and that’s truly special.”
Under John Warner’s leadership, MMCC continues to bring hope for a brighter future for our oceans and their incredible inhabitants.
