The Marine Mammal Center

Fantastic non-profit that does world leading work in saving marine mammals. They are truly a top charity in the U.S. and one of my favorite environmental charities.

This is one of the BEST marine mammal rehab/rescues I’ve ever come across. They are highly competent, caring, creative, and resilient amongst the many challenges they face. I cannot speak more highly of MMCC. I will continue to support them as long as I live.

I’ve worked with and for many charitable organizations over the years and there’s just something special about The Marine Mammal Center. The animals and their welfare really are the central purpose, and they treat their volunteers (of which I am proudly one) as true team members. The opportunity to contribute to their awesome mission is fantastic, but the focus they put on offering information, training, context, and more to their crews is unparalleled. No one is ever pushed to get involved in any way they aren’t comfortable, but everyone has access to so many experiences if they want them. I’m learning so much each time I go, and I find myself surrounded by some of the most diverse and fascinating people from all walks of life doing work they truly believe in. Most of all it’s very clear to me how my contributions make a difference in the lives of the animals we serve, and how meaningful everything we do is - passion is one thing, but passion plus knowledge and efficacy like you find here leads to a whole other level. It’s rare to find this combination of expertise, dedication, respect, and stewardship all in one place, and the fact that I get to see marine mammals survive and thrive up close is a stunning bonus. If you’re in the area and can visit, I highly recommend it, and if you have the chance to volunteer, I am sure it will enrich your life in ways you didn’t even expect: go for it!

I love the Marine Mammal Center with all my heart. The staff is so kind and generous. I’ve learned so much during my visits and brings friends whenever I can. What a special place. Keep up the good work!!

I love having the opportunity to volunteer with the Marine Mammal Center and to rescue, rehabilitate, and release seals and sea lions. Humans aren't always a force for good for these animals, so I'm glad to even the odds in any way I can. Truly a great organization, and one that's well worth supporting!

This is the most incredible organization and place to work. We are, obviously, about the health of marine mammals and it goes way beyond that. We focus on the health of the ocean, environmentalism and conservationism. Largely run by volunteers, we come from extremely diverse backgrounds, experiences, educations, etc. and yet we all share common core values. Everyone, staff and volunteers, are extremely passionate about what we do and what we stand for. People are supportive and we are continually receiving feedback and praise for the work we are doing. I can not say enough about this amazing organization and it's people!

The Marine Mammal Center is doing such great work for our oceans, particularly for the seals, sea lions, and otters who pass through the hospital and receive first rate care and a second chance at life. As a visitor first, and now a volunteer, I really enjoy getting a window into what they're doing by visiting the Sausalito hospital. Especially at the busy season, visitors love to see and hear these animals from the observation deck and find a way to participate in the Center's mission of advancing global ocean conservation.

“ And God said, “ Let the water team withliving creatures.” Whales, dolphins, sea lions, and all other creatures of the seas are ambassadors of their marine home, but unlike humans they have no sea creatures medical staff. That’s where The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) plays an important role, rescuing and rehabilitating. We pollute with impunity, crossing ships injure or kill, changing water temperatures and food supplies as well as diseases weaken or kill these magnificent animals which God created, according to their kind.” Gen 1:21. Thank you TMMC for all you do, and for all donors, who enable your research and care. Perhaps someday a more easily navigable, more direct route from the Golden Gate Bridge to your hospital will be created, to facilitate visitors. Thank you! Sally

In addition to the great work the Marine Mammal Center does rehabilitating wildlife, they also produce an amazing middle school curriculum, the Ocean Ambassadors program. My school has been part of the program for the last six years. We really appreciate the professional development and support they provide educators throughout the Bay Area.

The Marine Mammal Center is a key contributor to the health of the oceans and their biodiversity. I am forever impressed by the work they do to help mammals and other marine life. They are strong advocates and educate anyone who comes into their sphere. I've learned how to problem-solve and prevent negative interactions between humans and wildlife. Marine Mammal staff are experts in rehabilitation. They ensure marine mammals are able to live safely in the wild by designing enrichment during rehabilitation to prevent habituation. The Marine Mammal Center has helped me to learn how protecting marine life and oceans is essential for climate stability, human well-being, and biodiversity preservation. Through their education efforts I understand that sustainable fishing, reducing plastic waste, creating marine protected areas, and reducing carbon emissions ensure oceans remain a thriving part of Earth’s ecosystem. They are crucial to the health of both the oceans and the Marine Mammals who live in the wild.

This is a great nonprofit. I've visited their location in Sausalito a few times in the past and have called the response number for a sick sea otter in Morro Bay which was followed by a quick response rescue.

Advancing global ocean conservation is more important than ever. And the Marine Mammal Center is literally on the front lines. Having rescued and rehabilitated marine mammals for over 40 years, the center has a wealth of information they share with government and conservation partners. Indeed, their work offers many of us a window into ocean health. After all, sea lions are sentinels of the sea. As world leaders begin to grapple with things like acidification, sea level rise and hypoxia, I hope they rely more on experts like those at the marine mammal center.

Visited the center in July 2016. Staff was friendly and professional. Amazing volunteers were dedicated and very knowledgeable! Thank you for all you do to help these animals.

I really loved volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center. They recently had several staff and policy changes that do not reflect their mission.

It's really a shame.

I have been fortunate enough to give back and while I thought I was doing good this opportunity has left me feeling like I'm not the one who gave. 5 stars

I have been a member of the Marine Mammal Center for 25 years. I was inspired by their mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick or injured marine mammals. But, it was only as a volunteer for the past five years that I was able to really see what they do. I work in the Harbor Seal hospital, where we care for newborn, orphaned harbor seal pups. They are helpless, unweaned pups who still have their umbilical cords when we rescue them. We tube feed them, teach them how to eat fish and keep them at our facility until they are able to survive on their own. Being able to do this work is such a great honor. The reward of all of this hard work is to see the animals being released, rushing back into the ocean where they belong and knowing that we have given them the care that they need to survive there. It's a good feeling.

I have been a volunteer at TMMC since 2011. The opportunities for volunteers to work closely with wild Pinnipeds is unmatched. I would suggest joining an animal care crew during the slow part of the year, July-November, when the pace of training is more relaxed. This is, by far, the most interesting and challenging volunteer job I have ever experienced.

These guys do great work. Not only rehabilitation, but also with education and research. If you're in the area is free to visit and they have an optional area where you can see them doing necropsy (animal autopsies) to find out why they did and collect samples for research. Just know that their work is seasonal and there is more to see in the spring and early summer than in the fall and winter.

Thanks for all your fabulous work! We are delighted to support you!

Proud to be a part of an amazing organization and group of volunteers!

I have visited and supported the marine mammal center since I was a young girl - over three decades! It's been wonderful to see the facility grow and it's one of the most amazing nonprofits that I've been associated with. Their work is exceptional! I wish that I lived closer so that I could volunteer!

I see Marine mammal center volunteers all the time on the beach directly helping sick and injured seals and sea lions here in Monterey and Pacific Grove. It's all direct hands on work. Love watching their animal release videos.

The Marine Mammal Center is an amazing organization! I can see everyone's passion for these animals and I am truly amazed each week. It's my favorite place in the world!

The work done by the Marine Mammal Center forms the foundation of our environmental movement, as our oceans are both indicative of and supportive of the health of our planet.

My daughter did an internship here and then has volunteered for the last 2 years. We had a tour last spring and were amazed at the number of mammals treated at this wonderful facility. So many dedicated volunteers and staff work together to make a difference in these hard times for marine mammals!

The Marine Mammal Center is an exemplary nonprofit, but words do not cover the amount of care they were able to provide over the past year. The amount of stranded sea lions that washed up on beaches along the Pacific coast is staggering, and the work that the MMC accomplished is nothing short of astonishing. Though they were short on manpower and resources, nothing stopped them from making a profound difference during a true crisis. Their work is remarkable and the educational opportunities they provide help raise awareness all across California.

I've been a long-time supporter of the Marine Mammal Center and I've had the pleasure of visiting it once. The good work they do on behalf of CA Bay Area marine mammals is amazing and their voice is much needed on behalf of these wonderful creatures. I highly recommend them as a charitable cause if you love marine mammals like I do.

Truly an amazing group of people dedicated to helping the animals in their care and educating the public.

Having volunteered there for four years and been an intern, TMMC is a great place that does lots of research to help marine mammals and rehabilitates hundreds of patients per year. They have a huge focus on education too, so is good for school groups or families to visit.

My wife and I have been members for five years now she is fulfilling her dream as a volunteer! I am amazed at the great work you all do!

I have had the pleasure of visiting this center on my last two trips to the area. My kids and I love it. They do such amazing work for all the sick and injured marine mammals in the area.

A dedicated organization with skilled volunteers who protect, heal, rehabilitate seals and sea lions. I have worked for them and have witnessed the dedication to help those sick animals go back into the wild. A great center and team.

The Marine Mammal Center treats emaciated and ill marine mammals from the West coast. As a volunteer I've watched as seals and sea lions have come to the center dangerously ill and been released a few months after.
One of our patients really caught my eye. Thin Mint was a female sea lion that had fishing line caught around her head when she came into the center. She remained at the center for several months as she recovered from her injuries but was very aggressive when ever she observed the approach of anything alien to her pen. It was tragic to see how much harm, more mental than physical that had been inflicted upon the creature.
It is through the help of the MMC and it's volunteers that thousands of marine mammals are given a second chance by the humans whos trash and byproducts had hurt them.

As a volunteer of two years, I've worked with hundreds of seals and seal lions at The Marine Mammal Center. This hospital rescues, rehabilitates, and releases so many animals which would normally die without our help. TMMC runs primarily on volunteer support, and it's truly incredible how hard everyone works as a group to help sick and injured marine mammals.

If you ever get the chance to visit TMMC, you'll see of thousands of people working on preparing meals, cleaning pens, and administering medication. It's a powerful image, and a powerful organization.

They work so hard at conservation and do a great job of keeping the public informed.

This site shows many very important events and conditions taking place in our seas. It is very important to spread the word on this situation. Awareness is the first step in fixing this. Plus the animals they show are adorable!

At a time when environmental catastrophe seems to dominate headlines, there are heroes working to save injured and ill marine mammals.
Marine Mammal Center is a state-of-the-art facility, with an "army" of staff and volunteers, whose hearts are dedicated to saving these animals.
For the thousands of school kids who come out to visit...the families....individuals looking to learn about the animals and the issues, there is no greater educational opportunity than touring this center.

The marine mammal center is the most amazing organization! This organization as a whole and all of its members have the biggest heart I have ever experienced. They are so incredibly hard working and giving. They put everything they have into making a difference for the animals they rescue and care for. They also do so much to show their graditude to the volunteers and staff that make the organization possible. I love everything about the marine mammal center, their work and everything they stand for! I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of such an amazing organization!

I am a volunteer at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. Nearly 3 years ago, my, then 15 year old, daughter became a youth volunteer and almost immediately recruited me to come help out in the fish kitchen. In Sausalito, at our headquarters, in addition to education and research, we are a rescue, rehabilitate and release program for sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and harbor seals. During our peak season, around the clock, we feed and care for as many as 200 animals at a time, so that requires an enormous amount of work by greater than 1000 volunteers. My daughter and I are on Friday Day Crew. We think our crew is the best, but everyone thinks THEIR crew is the best! We have an incredibly dedicated vet staff and through the volunteer work I have done recently with the administration staff, I have learned that the fundraising that makes all this possible requires quite the devotion as well. We are a mostly volunteer organization, but even many of our staff members are volunteers in their free time. It is an amazing place. We always leave exhausted, but we know we have helped the animals, and in turn the ocean, and therefore our planet. We love The Marine Mammal Center!

I've been a volunteer with The Marine Mammal Center for more than 5 years now, working on the Friday Night Animal Care Crew. I'm also a staff person, managing the website and email communications with our supporters. The work accomplished by this organization is critical to the health of the 6 different pinniped species found along the coast of California, as well as to education about issues surrounding ocean health.

The Marine Mammal Center is a fantastic organization helping to protect our coastal resources and research threats to the marine ecosystem. Plus it's a great place to visit to see all their rehabbing patients!

I have been incredibly lucky to volunteer with harbor seals for the past 3 years. I can say with utmost confidence that TMMC cares about the Bay Area community and, most importantly, their patients. The Bay Area is a better place because The Marine Mammal Center is here.

They treat both their volunteers and their patients with the greatest respect and grace. Over 1100 volunteers, they must be doing something right. Other organizations could learn from these folks.

The MMC is an awesome nonprofit and I am privileged to have been volunteering there for almost 4yrs now. Started with my daughter as she was going into marine biology in college. We enjoyed spending our Saturday nights together. After she left for college I continued. Volunteering there gives a sense of accomplishment and pride. Long hours...You Bet....with shift starting at 6pm...there were times I didn't leave until 6am. That's because I sat with the Harbor Seal Patients who were recvg iv fluids and on the brink. But we made it through. Weather conditions...we grin and bear it. Lots of coffee and clothing layers. But its peaceful. When your sitting with the Harbors in the ICU....its quiet. You calm them and allow them to recuperate. They make their noises and watch you with their big eyes. But all the while lettg them remain wild and non habituated to eventually return home. TMMC is an organization with volunteer heart. One big happy family. Through happiness and sorrow we get it done.

As both a donor and a 13-year veteran staff member, I can attest to the fantastic work The Marine Mammal Center performs on a daily basis. It is so amazing to work for an organization that is focused on making the world a better place, one marine mammal at a time. Each day I look forward to hearing the latest on current patients or learning about urgent calls from the public concerning an entangled animal seen swimming off a beach, or what the education team is hearing from school children who often have never even been to a beach.

The Center has just completed a new hospital in Hawaii to save an entire species - the Hawaiian monk seal is the most endangered pinniped in the US, and there are fewer than 1,100 remaining.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Center is the 1,000+ dedicated volunteers: truly the heart of this place! So if you want to give to an organization that has a track record (18,500+ rescues!) of innovation and success, give to The Marine Mammal Center!

The marine mammal center does amazing work for seals and sea lions that have been hurt or need rehabilitation. They have many success stories of patients that have gone in to the center with little chance to live, but have been rehabilitated through their hard work and have returned to their ocean home. Truly a great place that does excellent work for the world and the oceans.

I love The Marine Mammal Center. They provide rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Saving marine mammals is a work of love. Each and every person who works at TMMC is dedicated and enthusiastic.

The Marine Mammal Center helps so many! In addition to all their great work in CA, They have expanded to HI recently to help the very endangered monk seals. They provide opportunities for kids, teens and adults to volunteer as well as internships for teens to learn veterinary care. There are many educational programs at the Marine Mammal Center for the public to learn about keeping oceans clean and helping and interacting with marine animals. Money is raised not only ny donation, but also in creative ways through their store and classes.

Should not saving the world's oceans and marine life be one of humanities top priorities? These creatures have never violated or harmed or taken advantage of me. The least I can to is returned the favor in whatever way I can. We all possess the deepest most effective healing device in the universe, Love, compassion, caring and protecting other all living beings and our world's oceans.

Thank you Marine Mammal Center and great good karma to all,
Ambriel G.

The work done on behalf of marine animals at the Marine Mammal Center is without equal. These animals, often in huge numbers, more often than not the victims of human cruelty or human greed, have essentially nowhere else to turn. Injured, sick, blind, abandoned, no matter. The MMC is there for them. A combination of incredible facilities, amazing science, dedicated staff and volumes of tireless volunteers, the MMC is one of precious things in our world that makes you feel good to be human.

I live on the coast and spend a lot of time at the beach. Whenever I see something that concerns me...a sealion behaving oddly, one time a beached/dead porpoise, I call the Marine Mammal Center and they always address my concerns. When I found the porpoise, they came immediately to my aid (I stayed) until they got there because I was not entirely sure if it was dead. They also took the corpse from the beach and explained how it would help them understand beachings better. They are amazing!

I have volunteered for six Harbor Seal pup seasons during Saturday Day Crew. The Marine Mammal Center is a wonderful place. It is a beautiful and modern facility dedicated to rescue, rehabilitate and release of several kinds of sea mammals. All of the people I have met at this facility truly care for the patients. The environment is clean, save, comfortable and protected for the health and care of the animals. I feel privileged to get to volunteer here.

I read the updates from this Centre daily and am always impressed by the genuine care and attention they provide to marine wildlife. The oceans are a part of our lives as humans also. Keep up the great work ! :)

The Marine Mammal Center is world-renowned for their expertise in animal care, veterinary medicine, and science. The committed volunteers that care for the animals, as well as the programs they have in place to train and expand the field of knowledge, make this place a gem in the non-profit world.

I unfortunately reside out of state in Phoenix, AZ ; however I receive countless updates of the Center and I am truly amazed by the rehabilitation these animals receive. How they arrive is unfortunate but how they are rescued is nothing short of amazing . They are given a second chance at life with this Center and I hope to visit one day very soon . My heart goes out to all who work and volunteer here . I am a Volunteer of Wildlife Zoo and Aquarium and I know the work that goes into education and the care of all living creatures.

These volunteers are doing noble work with their rescue, rehab, and release of marine wildlife. Our Oceans need more people like these, people who give back rather than take away via action and education. They're untold s/heroes!

They do so much for the marine wildlife. Not just anyone can do what they do, they are special group of hard working, dedicated conservationist. They are amazing!!!!!!!

I've been volunteering with this amazing crew since January. The compassion and cooperation of all people involved is unrivaled. It really is all about the animals.

The MMC is not only doing good in the world of conservation, they are deeply involved with educating the public about what they do, why they do it, and what we, the visitors, can to to be involved! Not only do they do good in this way, but they are free to visit-a rare circumstance in these days' non-profits. This is a huge benefit to the community, especially those living in poverty who may not otherwise have the chance to experience and learn from an institution like this. Good job MMC!

The Marine Mammal Center rescues,rehabilitates contributes to research and releases marine mammals that have at one time been in distress and whose chances of survival would be greatly impacted if it wasn't for the dedicated volunteers.
We have all been working very hard this year rescuing pups that have been abandoned by their mothers and coming in to the centers malnourished and now with the algae bloom along the CA coast that is effecting Sea Lions causing a build up of neurotoxins in their system. The build up can cause seizures.
We have rescued more animals since January than we did all of last year!

Great organization helping marine life. Keeps the public informed and recommends
Things everyone can do to help on any level.

Almost 20 years ago I and several others were attending an international conference in Monterey and were able to participate in the rescue of a baby seal. It was one of the most exciting and rewarding things I'd ever done. One conference attendees was from China and I don't think had ever seen a seal before. The volunteers were nice enough to name the seal after him which really made his day. I was impressed that day and am still impressed at the expertise and caring and the accomplishments of the Marine Mammal Center. Not only did we get to help save a life, we gained some knowledge and the Marine Mammal Center gained a donor for life.

Volunteering at the San Luis Obispo Operations is always fun. We've been extremely busy this year with large amounts of sea lion pups and then onto larger CSLs (California Sea Lions) that suffer from domoic acid as well as those who come in with traumas/entanglements/malnutrition. We have a dedicated team that has put in hours and hours of care for these animals. The two night supervisors are GREAT teachers who have a lot of knowledge to share but unfortunately they're retiring (one not by choice). In the 7 months I've been here I've learned more than I can even imagine!

I've been watching the amazing work of MMC for years! The work they do is difficult and sometimes dangerous, yet they are always there for marine mammals in trouble. They make wonderful use of the volunteers who contribute to all aspects of life with seals, sea lions, otters, and whales! (Remember Humphrey the Humpback who wandered into San Francisco Bay?) The Marine Mammal Center does make use of medical and scientific experts for the best solutions to problems. They are ready also to experiment, try new approaches, ad lib when nothing else seems to work.

They have a wonderful center just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and other locations (most recently in Hawaii). They have all kinds of support from donors and volunteers. A great place to visit.

They are a wonderful group, doing great work! As beach going people, it is heartening for us to know that there are organizations like this out there caring for the sea animals we love!

I am a docent at local tide pols with a breeding harbor seal population. The Marine Mammal Center is the only place to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned pups and injured adults. Those performing a beach rescue are always wonderful about teaching the public. Their research also provides valuable information on what is harming our pinnipeds.

A very caring and active group. Does great work, not just in helping marine mammals, but in educating the public about them and issues surrounding the ocean and conservation. They are impactful and informative.

A truly great organization where you see the results happening. They treat local marine mammals in trouble and have a high success rate.

An organization that helps rescue sick , injured,orphaned marine mammals is a life changing one to many mammals.With the ugliness in the world today. It is refreshing to see that some of the mammals have a chance again. Their future is brighter thanks to the people involved here. How can that not brighten someones day?a mammals day?Our oceans need more people like these, for the future of the animals and our children and our earth. If they educate 1 person , that's 1 person that hopefully has a new respect and understanding for these mammals and oceans .Our oceans and mammals need them !

They get the word out in a caring and non frightening way.. Great articles and a good source to learn at any age…. Very cringe people , god at networking.

If you are an animal lover and want to help our friends in the ocean, Marine Mammal Center is a wonderful organization that is saving lives every day. I know my money is going to good use there.

I have been a donor to MMC for a number of years, and have had the opportunity to visit the center on numerous occasions. The staff have always been helpful, I get regular updates on how things are going at the center, and the center itself is beautiful and well-kept, which is impressive. When I did a paper for a college class last spring, the contacts at MMC were tremendously helpful and their efforts were much appreciated. This is a group of folks who genuinely put the animals first, and I feel good about where my donations are going.

Volunteering for this wonderful organization is a truly life changing experience! I have always loved the ocean and the creatures that live in it but to care for the animals that we rescue and to send them back to their home is magic! As sad as it is that we can not save all of them , to be able to release the many animals that we do rehabilitate is so rewarding . Working with such a great group of dedicated people has been the experience if a lifetime!

What a great way to teach kids about animals and a way to motivate them to learn even more. Nothing beats hands on experience with accurate information for students to grow and learn.

The Center's rehabilitation of injured/sick aquatic animals is laudable. They are an irreplaceable in asset in monitoring environmental effects on the aquatic ecosystem's inhabitants and protecting same.

The Marine Mammal Center, located in Sausalito, California, is an astounding organization of highly dedicated professionals and volunteers rescuing marine mammals who are found stranded on beaches all over the state. Their rescues include Pacific Harbor Seals, Northern Elephant Seals, California Sea Lions and others. This year, despite the pressure of a record number of strandings, the Marine Mammal Center has successfully rehabilitated scores of animals and released them back to the wild where they belong. I am impressed by their responsiveness, their efforts to educate those who may come upon stranded marine mammals, their expertise, and their efficient use of donations. I am a small donor yet they make me feel significant to their efforts, and I am able to rest assured that my dollars are wisely used. They communicate just enough to keep donors advised of their efforts. They deserve the support of those who care about our oceans and the mammals in them.

I'm not sure what the world would do without this wonderful organization. We need more people like this to help our friends who live in the ocean. I will always be a supporter and I strongly urge anyone who can help to do it!

Found my passion after retirement. Wonderful organization, people, and volunteer opportunity. The best!

Volunteers! Volunteers! Volunteers! The most amazing people are drawn to The Marine Mammal Center by their love and compassion for these animals. I have worked alongside dedicated volunteers in the driving rain rescuing a large seizing sea lion on the beach in the dark. They work all hours of the day and night providing humane care for seals, sea lions, otters and sea turtles. An amazing amount of rescue, rehabilitation, research and release is provided by a relatively small paid staff and a tremendous number of volunteers. This organization provides so much "bang for the buck" for its donors - a world-wide respected organization educating so many about the health of the ocean and the ocean's inhabitants. Watching the healthy animals being released back to their natural habitat never ceases to bring a tear to my eye. Thank you TMMC for giving me the experience of a lifetime!

My daughter and I have been going here for over 10 years. Beautiful setting and the animals and cared for well. The docents are educated and so helpful. We learn something new each time we go.

Living along the SF Bay, I have had to call the center a few times over the years regarding stranded mammals. They are quick to respond and we are able to track how the mammals are recovering.

Take an amazing tour of the facility and head on over to the beach across the street. A fun full day.

This is Perfume, of who's release I witnessed on Sept 7th. While reading this article I found links to other released patients, but sadly, also those who did not survive. Sad at how many don't survive, compared to how many do. Almost seemed equal. Thank god for organizations like The Marine Mammal Center, and her dozens of paid staff, and the 1000s of volunteers, who do all they can to help heal & release all those that they can. Well Done TMMC, and those like you! I will surely continue to support you as much as I possibly can

Since 1975 The Marine Mammal Center has rescued, rehabilitated, and released literally thousands of Marine Mammals - Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Stellars, Harbor seals, Fur Seals, Elephant Seals, and when in need - whales, dolphins, porpoises, otters, and other endangered species. With state of the art medical care facilities, brilliant veterinary staff, and animal husbandry volunteers by the 100's working tirelessly to treat, then nurse these animals back to health, there is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. TMMC is currently expanding operations to Hawaii to provide rescue, hospitalization, and release support for critically endangered Monk Seals as well.

TMMC also conducts scientific research with animals while in treatment and post mortem to study their health, environment, attendant illnesses as a result of environmental impairment AND the impact of human influences resulting in injury or death in marine mammals all toward improving long-term survival of all species. TMMC's findings are shared internationally with academic and scientific communities. By sharing the wealth of knowledge gleaned from TMMC, other countries are benefiting in their efforts to preserve and assist other endangered species unique to their region. TMMC's outreach programs educate well in excess of 30,000 children and adults each year; teach them about these magnificent animals, about what we do and why we do it - and to help them understand that marine mammals are a sentinel species. Everything we either throw or flow into the ocean - the frailties and illnesses we find in these animals as a result of environmental impairment which affects THEM - has the potential at some point to affect US.

Much of this work is supported by private donors who understand and appreciate the our mission statement and good works TMMC does on every level. I cannot tell you how proud I am to be one of the MANY volunteers supporting the animals and medical staff, working toward that happy ending: release back into their natural habitat. It's the best job I've never made a dime from - but really? The BIG paycheck is opening that crate and watching them bolt for home, healthy and whole once more

I had heard of the marine mammal center but never visited until I participated in a fun run fundraiser last year. I was so impressed - by the center itself, and the amount of outreach and education being done, and and the amazing job they are doing with the rehab and release of sick and injured wildlife. This is an extremely well run operation, I'm proud to have this wonderful group in my community! BTW the fun run is my favorite event of the year, and the gift shop is super fun too.

I love the knowledge and experience I gain when I come to this marine mammals center. Its so fun and such a worthwhile cause. Please help them and recognize their work. The teach the public about how we can help and what our impacts are on marine mammals. They also respond to numerous calls from the public about stranded animals. They have a fantastic visitors' center too. They're work is dirty and hard and they need all the support that they can get.

I have been volunteering with the Marine Mammal Center for about 9 months. I started volunteering right when the busy season started up, and I got to see first hand what a great place this is. We worked late nights, had many fish smoothies to make, and lots of dishes to clean. It was well worth it, and I left feeling great every week knowing i was doing my part. I now am more careful about the what I throw away, and am more environmentally conscious now that I volunteer here. I am more aware about how my actions can affect out ocean friends.

TMMC takes in thousands of Marine mammals and with the help of caring staff and volunteers rehabilitate these animals and get them back to their ocean homes. I am truly blessed to be part of this organization.

TMMC rescues and provides medical services for thousands of animals. More than this, they help populations of animals and help the environment. Teaching children and conducting scientific research helps the animals in the hospital, but also helps the entire planet! Because The Marine Mammal Center focuses on all levels, not only do people have a great experience volunteering, but the research may have human health impacts on diseases such as diabetes and autism. Raising issues of global pollution problems helps individual hospital patients, each species and the environment as a whole. I recommend coming to a scientific talk or a docent tour at The Center.

We watched the National Geographic episode about this center and then came to visit. We did the docent led tour of the facility and learned about the different kinds of seals, how they get rescued, how they receive medical treatment, how "fish milk shakes" are prepared for them and how they are released. We were impressed by the educational and environmental mission of this organization at work. The volunteer docent was informed and inspiring, and was engaging for all the members of my family on the tour.

I continue to be amazed by The Marine Mammal Center in my early months as a volunteer. In mid-July, I had an opportunity to release nine sea lions back into the Pacific and share in the absolute pride while watching them rush out to the sea. These were nine of the 800+ pinnipeds that are rescued, rehabilitated and released by TMMC every year. Then in mid-Sept, I truly lived a lifelong childhood dream of joining Jacques Cousteau on the Calypso by spending the morning with his eldest son and ocean explorer, Jean-Michel. Standing alongside Jean-Michel that Thur morning and seeing the pride he shared w the entire TMMC team as more three sea lions were released, was my once in a lifetime moment to actually live my wildest childhood dream … The groundswell of support I’m getting from my family and friends is a testament to how our efforts touch so many people who only dream of the volunteer work and organization we’re privileged to support …

I have recently been active with the Stop Diablo Canyon Seismic Testing, and have been fortunate enough to have met Volunteers with MMC. I am Very Grateful for their Fabulous efforts, and without them and others who care, our Oceans, Our Lives, and our Grandchildren s' Lives would not be very Hopeful! Great Work!! Great Gift Ideas... Adopt a Seal !! The 2013 Calendars are Fabulous!.... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ! I can't wait to Visit the Center! THe Health of Our Oceans are a True Representation of Our World Health and Future!

Ily what you guys do!! im 14 and my passion is to be a marine biologist!!!! i love you guys so so so much!!!!! i have a fundraising page for the marine mammal center!!!! btw if anyone wants to please donat at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/savemarinelife/yasminehavlinsfundraisingpage thanks!

I follow Marine Mammal center on Facebook because the work they do touches my heart. I deeply care about all life on this planet, and support the loving work done by these folks. I live in land-locked center of the states, but have a strong bond to the ocean and the amazing mammals that live in and around it. They are some of my favorite creatures. It encourages me to follow the efforts of this worthy non-profit. For all the damage we humans have done to the planet and seas, it is so good to see people like this working to offset that destruction. Keep up the excellent work!

Awesome! If you want to be around smart, kind, and smart people. TMMC is your place to be!

Amazing organization! As a conservation biologist, I know that it is the organizations like the marine mammal center that are the heart and soul of our important work.

I wanted to add a different perspective to these great reviews. I'm a veterinarian, recently graduated from veterinary school, and the Marine Mammal Center was an important part of my education. TMMC regularly hosts programs for veterinary students that allow us to spend time at the facility and get hands-on involvement in the extensive medical work that goes on behind the scenes, devoting hours of their busy days to inspire future veterinarians. TMMC also hosts veterinarians who are participating in internship and residency programs for advanced training in zoo and wildlife medicine and conservation. The veterinary and animal care staff at TMMC has just as much passion for education as the folks "up front" talking to visitors, and I sincerely appreciate the donor and volunteer support that makes that possible!

Volunteering with the Marine Mammal Center is the most rewarding experience I've ever had. We help animals of all shapes, sizes and conditions, mainly pinnipeds, but also cetaceans, sea otters and the occasional turtle. We see and treat shark bites, gunshot wounds, malnutrition, environmental reactions, infections, pneumonia, even cancer. While it's wonderful having the opportunity to rehabilitate the animals, it's even better getting to release them back into the wild, and watching their faces light up when they realize they're going home.

This is an absolutely amazing organization. The people are great, and they are consistently raising the bar on the work they do. I couldn't possibly think of any other organization that I would rather endorse than the Marine Mammal Center. Keep up the good work!!!

I can unequivocally say that the Marine Mammal Center does sincere and amazing work for the animals they serve. I got to meet with the people working here, and see how they manage things/take care of the animals (otters, sea lions et al), and I came away with nothing but gratitude for the service they provide to these beings. What's heartening is that the people employed at the center (from the volunteers up to the staff and doctors) genuinely care for the marine mammals...it's not just a job for them, but a way of life!! Yeah, I have nothing but good stuff to say for them.

The Marine Mammal Center is an amazing organization – from their rescuing of animals to educating the public. Their work is vital and they do it incredibly well with impressive dedication.

This non-porfit organization is truly amazing. Their work and dedication to marine life is one that is one that is not commonly seen. As a follower of the organization on Facebook and Twitter, I am able to see what they are doing for the betterment of marine life and the surround community.

I adore this organization. I love the work they do in their field. There has never been a moment when I can say they were not competent and on top of things. The lives they save and renew is proof. These creatures get a new start and a real chance. It truly is a blessing to see and I will continue to pull what little funds I have together to send when it is asked for. They inspire and set a brilliant example. No one could ask for more, other than to continue their work!

Seeing how many animals are saved and returned to the wild made me a lifetime donor to the Marine Mammal Center. Their work truly makes a difference and they are very well managed to ensure that the most funds go to support of the wildlife.

I have been following The MMC on Twitter for over a year now and also their facebook page, in that time I have seen so many wonderful stories of rescues and rehabilitation. The volunteers give 100% to helping Marine Mammals get back into their natural environment and do so without asking for thanks or praise. The one place I would like to go, more than any other, is the MMC, so I can give them the praise they deserve and thank them from the animals that they save. I am proud to be associated with a wonderful cause and will continue to donate and follow until the day comes that I can finally visit and say thanks in person. Keep up the amazing work that you do and from the animals a big sloppy wet kiss to you all :)

I unfortunately never got the chance to visit the Marine Mammal Center as I currently live in France, but I follow them on Facebook and read every newsletter. The workers/volunteers there are dedicated, passionate and driven people who care enough for the world that surrounds us to act and make a difference everyday. And they really do. I follow their patients' stories and how they help those endangered seals and sea lions get through whatever harm we, as humans, put them into. I am always amazed at how devoted and caring the people at the Marine Mammal Center are. I always get goose bumps when I watch videos of patients being released back into their natural habitat, and I know that, for the most wounded ones, they will find them a happy home. Plus, the Marine Mammal Center team is full of creativity and often organizes events to grow people awareness and get more help. What the Marine Mammal Center does every single day is hugely important, not just because seals are cute and fun and basically adorable but mostly because a lot of marine mammal species are endangered by pollution and wildlife crime, and its team of people contributes to repairing the damages caused by our lifestyles, and I hope I can volunteer myself very soon.

Since I began volunteering at The Marine Mammal Center back in June 2012, I have been nothing but inspired by the level of dedication of the staff and volunteers at this organization. It is not surprising to hear that a volunteer has been helping out for 15+ years and continues to show up weekly to help in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing the seals and sea lions that have come to the center for whatever reason. The volunteers are tireless and selfless. Having said that, I am even more impressed and inspired by the tireless and selfless efforts of the Administrative/Development/Education staff. The individuals working behind the scenes have to be the hardest workers out of any non-profit I've worked for. Not only do they coordinate 100's of volunteers coming through their doors yearly, they run an amazingly organized office that reflects all the TMMC values. Their generosity and kindness combined with their dedication to the mission is an example that all non-profits should aspire to. It has been my utmost pleasure to be able to volunteer for this staff.

My husband and I discovered an injured sea lion during a trip to Carmel this summer. We contacted the Marine Mammal Center, and they got a rescue team out as quickly as possible, and very tenderly gathered up the poor guy for transport. They gave us a card with the information we would need to track his progress. I was impressed by the follow up, as a volunteer e-mailed me to let me know when Sugar Dani was released. We decided to become donors, and got an e-mail the next day thanking us for our membership, and offering a tour when we are next in California, which we will gladly take them up on!

I went on a tour with my marine mammals class from the Santa Rosa Junior College. The facility is very impressive and offered a lot of learning experiences from the lecture room that had lots of anatomy specimens to the kitchen where the marine mammal meals are prepped. Staff and volunteers were respectful and kind to both the animals and people!

The Marine Mammal Center is a source of INspiration to urgently communicate how the oceans, beaches, and our fellow creatures in and on our only home planet in real peril now must be saved -- and treated with much more respect and dignity by humans as soon as possible. Thank you for real.

As all the volunteers like to say, "I came for the animals, but I stay for the people." People, from volunteers to staff, and from field trip students to concerned citizens reporting stranded animals, it's taken countless committed people to make The Marine Mammal Center the outstanding organization it is today. I feel blessed to be a part of this community.

This is an amazing place, I have been here several times with my son, who is now only 9, but has it in his mind that he will volunteer here as soon as he's old enough. It has taught him to look at trash differently- when he sees what it does to these animals.

My workplace is located on the beach and many times over the years we have called the Marine Mammal Center to check on the welfare of animals that show up on our beach injured, sick, or malnourished. The wonderful people from the Marine Mammal Center will come out and assess the condition of the animal, keep people and dogs away from them, and capture ones that need medical attention and take them back for veterinary care and, hopefully, eventual release. Their work is vital to help offset the negative impact that human activity has on many marine mammals. I highly recommend the Marine Mammal Center to anyone who cares about health of the ocean and the welfare of the animals that live in it.

I volunteer for TMMC and could not be more happier to give my time to this organization. Their dedication to the health and well being of the animals in their care as well as providing awareness and education of issues that impact marine mammals is just awesome. I plan to keep volunteering for a very long for this outstanding organization.

12 Years ago I started volunteering with the Marine Mammal Center and I have never been sorry. I learn something new every time that I go and I feel that I am making a difference for the animals that we care for and for our planet. I am humbled to be able to work so closely with these amazing creatures and to meet some wonderful people along the way!

The work they do is amazing. The lives they have saved. Their commitment. I am proud to be a supporter.

The Marine Mammal Center has the most committed volunteer corps imaginable, and the world's leading marine mammal scientists working on the care of the animals they rescue as well as contributing to peer-reviewed scientific literature about the causes of disease in the oceans. Did you know that the Marine Mammal Center discovered that the California Sea Lion is only one of two or three wild species that suffer from cancer? They've explored the causes of neurological diseases in stranded marine mammals and are working to save the most endangered pinniped in US waters -- the Hawaiian Monk Seal. The Center works hard to educate children, to illuminate the problems of plastics in the oceans, and to contribute to scientific knowledge. Honestly, it's hard to find a more well-rounded organization focused on animal welfare, both short- and long-term, and on public education on environmental issues.

I take my students here every year for their awesome discovery day field trip. They learn about marine mammals and what the hospital does for them. It is a great experience and they all love it.

This fabulous organization provides hands-on rescue and care of marine mammals, and educates in the process. Professional, reliable full hospital and rehabilitation services are provided to animals in need. Wonderful, necessary, inspiring place!

The work the Marine Mammal Center does to care for our precious wildlife is amazing. They run a complete veterinary, basic research and most importantly care facility all from donations. It is a truly wonderful place.

I've been a supporter of The Marine Mammal Center for many years and I can't say enough good things about this organization. I've visited the center several times, and I've always been impressed with the level of expertise and devotion that goes into saving and rehabilitating marine mammals in distress. They do awesome work at The Marine Mammal Center - not only in animal rescue but in educating the public and in research that benefits all marine science.

The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is a well-run professional marine mammal hospital and rehabilitation center. They also educate the public and offer tours for school children and other group. They do fantastic work!

I visited the center and was able to see how much this organization does for marine mammals. They are compassionate and caring and their work is so important in saving the lives of many animals!

The work done by this facility to help sea mammals is amazing to see in person! Their work is never ending due to humans trashing the ocean that cause near strangulation of sea mammals that they treat and nurse back to health until they can be released back into the ocean. Also this facility treats the wounds of these precious creatures who have been shot by heartless humans, and nurse the sea mammals back to health until they can be released back into the ocean.

I've been an Education Docent for just over 3 years, primarily giving behind the scenes tours to classroom students at the high school and college level, as well as free public tours offered several times daily most of the year. I've volunteered for many worthwhile organizations all around this country, and I have to say that The Marine Mammal Center tops all...they absolutely set the standard when it comes to volunteer training, education, and research, not to mention the rehabilitation of the hundreds of marine mammals they rescue annually. Part of a national stranding network, The Marine Mammal Center is responsible for over 600 miles of coastal rescue range. By patient volume, they are the largest hospital of their kind in the world. The outstanding work that they do there is accomplished by less than 50 paid staff, and with the incredible generosity of over 1,000 volunteers. For those of you who've mentioned in your review that you haven't stopped by, take the time to do it next time you come to San Francisco. Take the free tour. You will be amazed at what you learn.

I have been a donor to TMMC for years, but I just started volunteering in the spring of 2012. I can honestly say it's the most fulfilling thing I've ever done. Sometimes it's hard work, most times it's smelly and dirty work, but it doesn't matter. I leave there feeling on top of the world knowing that whatever I did that day, I helped a creature who needed more than luck. The devotion of the doctors, staff, and volunteers is beyond commendable. We are all there for the same purpose - to help a sick or injured creature become healthy again so it can swim, play, have a family, and just be. I urge anyone who has not visited to do so. I also urge anyone who can to volunteer. I feel so fortunate that I am a part of such a unique and worthy organization.

The Marine Mammal Center is a very important organization not only to the plight of marine mammals in the San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey Counties, but to the good of all beings of our world.

I have volunteered here for over 5 years and love it! The work that is done by this organization is so important on many levels - fantastic opportunities offered to volunteers, interns, and students; the care and rehabilitation of wild marine mammals, some of them endangered or threatened; science and environmental education for the public; and numerous significant research projects. I am grateful that I can play a small role in all of this.

I have been an education volunteer since 2004 and drive 2 hours one way to be there. It's corny, but my heart swells and my eyes tear up every time I have the blessed oppourtunity to watch a healthy Sea Lion or Seal released back to the ocean. I could not imagine volunteering any place else and enjoying it nearly as much!

This place is unique in all the world, not just in the work done, but also the people. It is a brilliant place to volunteer. I wouldn't call TMMC so much an organization for people to volunteer for, but an organization that developed around, for the purpose of supporting the mission of, a dedicated group of volunteers. This makes it an incredible place. They are world leaders in the work that they do and it is incredibly to be a part of it. The Marine Mammal Center is a one of a kind incredible place. Many of us volunteers like to say "you come for the animals but stay for the people" and while it may sound cliche, I truly believe it.

I've volunteered at The Marine Mammal Center since 1990. The organization is extraordinary in the amount of leverage that it gets from volunteers. There are several dozen paid center staff, but they direct the efforts of many hundreds of volunteers, in many different roles (education, outreach, animal rehabilitation care, rescue, research), along hundreds of miles of California coastline. All non-profit organizations should rightfully be carefully audited for efficient use of monies donated and grants received, and all potential donors should look at efficiency evaluations. But a simple percentage does not always tell the entire tale.

I worked for a while as a volunteer at MMC. I can't begin to tell you the quality of that organization. The dedication and incredible hours and work put together there impresses me to this day. I saw hundreds of marine mammals come and go, some badly wounded, shot or sick, never made it back to the wild, but so many did make it that otherwise would not have. I was a part of rescues on beaches all over Northern CA, as well as releases of rehabilitated animals. Caring for the animals, feeding them, medicating them, cleaning up after them...the works. I can't ever recall a single occasion where I took pause at the way the whole place was run. If every animal welfare organization was run as professionally and with as much day to day devotion as MMC, the world would be a better place for sure. Next time you're in San Francisco, go to Pier 39. Go check out the sea lions barking at one another, lounging all over the floating platforms. Keep an eye out for those with a tag on their ear, because that sea lion got a second chance because of the MMC.

I have contributed to the Marine Mammal Center for years and plan on continuing. The Center does extraordinary work caring for mammals that would otherwise suffer terribly and die. There are not many organizations with such expertise and dedication in this area.

I am a general member of the public that has donated to this organization from time to time. The wonderful life saving work they do is beyond extraordinary! They have helped countless seals, whales, dolphins, and too many to name. When these animals are caught in nets, lay dying on beaches from gunshot wounds, starving, and the list goes on, it is these amazing humanitarians to the rescue. Please visit their center and/or please consider a donation. Please see my recent letter to them: Dear Marine Mammal Center,
Words cannot express my gratitude at all the good your organization accomplishes. It is heartbreaking to see some of the photos of these animals in pain, especially the many that were intentionally caused by humans. And yet, such joy at seeing an animal that has been rescued and is now healthy.

To all the wonderful people that work and volunteer at the Marine Mammal Center, please accept my humblest gratitude. May the monsters that harm these beautiful creatures receive a (short) lifetime of intense suffering, and may the future bring the need for your center to be lessened.

Best wishes and good karma to you all!

Linda Shamis

I have been very impressed by this organization ever since I first learned of it many years ago. Not only have they contributed to the rescue of many many marine mammals, they have also made significant contributions to the science behind effective diagnosis and treatment of the critters they rescue and rehabilitate. They are often the driving force behind helping whales get back to the ocean when they have wandered into the Bay. All in all, a terrific group.

I have lived in San Francisco for 14 years & have heard much about the Marine Mammal Center, but sadly have never visited. I have heard very good things about their work, have watched their videos online, and seen stories on the local news - and have been very impressed. I donated for the first time this year, as I made a personal promise to give donations as Xmas presents to a few different charities that focus on animals. The Marine Mammal Cntr was one I easily selected, though I was a bit disappointed to see that their rating was not as high here as I would like. I have some small complaints, one is that I found the website a bit difficult to navigate. More than that, I was surprised to see the difference b/w the individual membership ($25/year) and family membership ($125). I had hoped to buy 2 family memberships for friends after just seeing how affordable the individual membership was. When I looked further, a few days later, I realized that I could really afford only one. While I don't begrudge them the money, it seems to me that exposing two families to the Center, instead of just one, would be good for the cause. It is my hope that my friends' children will visit the center, and have an alternative to a day's visit to the zoo. To my mind, it's so much better to be exposed to and learn about wild animal rehab and release, than it is to grow up seeing animals that are kept primarily for our entertainment.

5% executive comp is high fund raising is way too high. I'm glad that their rating is going up. when they reach 4 stars I will donate

I have been a volunteer at The Marine Mammal Center for 7 years. I work on animal care crews rehabilitating sick or injured sea lions, Northern elephant seals and harbor seals. Our crews work 7 days a week, day and night. During our pupping seasons our 800+ volunteers often work 10 hour shifts. We are priviledged to work alongside extremely qualified veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The Center is known world-wide as being the premier marine mammal hospital. The research that is done here allows us to understand what is happening in our ocean to cause these animals to sometimes be sick. The education department informs schools as well as the general public about marine mammals and their dependence upon healthy oceans. Without generous donatons from the public as well as private sectors, this important work could not continue. Our "patients" need food and medical care to be able to return to the ocean. The Marine Mammal Center is a most worthy cause. With your donations, our work can continue as we strive towards healthy mammals and a healthy ocean.