Wildlife Jewels Rescue Marine Mammals

Marine Mammal Rescue Resources for Southern California

If you encounter distressed, or injured marine mammal in the area, it is crucial to report him or her to a licensed marine mammal rehabilitation center as soon as possible. Timely intervention can significantly improve the chances of recovery for the animal.

Licensed marine mammal rehabilitators in the Southern California area:

Los Angeles County: California Wildlife Center (310) 458-9453

Los Angeles County: Marine Mammal Care Center (800)-39- WHALE

Orange County: Pacific Marine Mammal Center (949) 494-3050

North County San Diego and San Diego County: SeaWorld Rescue (800) 541-7325

La Jolla Cove Seals and Sea Lions

To learn more about ways you can protect sea lions and seals at La Jolla Cove, visit the Seal Society of San Diego’s website.

Protection by the Marine Mammal Protection Act

“All marine mammals are protected from being disturbed or harassed by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act as well as California and City ordinances.”

To Report a Marine Mammal Violation

“To report marine mammal violations, such as people feeding, attempting to feed, or harassing marine animals in the wild, please call NOAA Fisheries' Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. You may leave information anonymously.”

To Report a Poacher or Polluter

If you witness poaching, pollution, or any fish and wildlife violation, or have information about such activities, please call the toll-free CALTIP hotline at 1-888-334-CALTIP (1-888-334-2258). The line is available 24/7 to report violations. CALTIP - Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters

Signs of distress:

  • Alone and separated from their group

  • Lethargy: Appears weak

  • Disorientation: Appears confused or has head-weaving behavior

  • Seizures: Convulses

  • Foaming at the mouth

  • Thinness: Appears emaciated or thin

  • Visible wounds or entanglements – Cuts, fishing lines

  • Entangled Neck or Flippers

  • Tucked flippers on one side

  • Trouble breathing

Domoic Acid Poisoning

Sadly, sea lions across the California coast are suffering from domoic acid poisoning once again. In 2023, this dangerous toxin affected thousands of marine mammals, leading to widespread illness and death. Sadly, the crisis has reemerged, and sea lions urgently need our help.

During the domoic crisis in 2023, we encountered a beautiful sea lion in Solana Beach who was clearly in distress. We observed him on the sand, displaying unusual behavior such as sudden head weaving—a common symptom of domoic acid poisoning. Concerned for his well-being, we immediately contacted the nearest marine mammal rescue center and stayed by his side until help arrived from SeaWorld Rescue San Diego. The situation was made more challenging by the busy summer beach day, with crowds and children unknowingly approaching and disturbing the sea lion.

Domoic acid poisoning in sea lions can cause severe symptoms including stargazing (an abnormal upward gaze), disorientation, head weaving, mouth foaming, lethargy, and erratic behavior. The toxin leads to seizures and severe brain inflammation, which, if not addressed promptly, can cause irreversible brain damage and death.

Please Report Distressed Sea Lions: Timely discovery and treatment can be life-saving. If you encounter a sea lion showing signs of distress, contact the nearest marine mammal rescue center immediately. We recommend keeping a safe distance while staying nearby until rescuers arrive to ensure the sea lion is protected from potential threats such as dogs, crowds, and unaware beachgoers.

Pupping Season:

  • Seals: February- March

  • Sea Lions: June-July

Viewing Guidelines:

  • Stay at least 50 feet away. Avoid surrounding or cornering them.

  • No loud noises, clapping, running, or sudden movements.

  • Never attempt to touch, chase, follow, or throw objects at them.

  • If a seal or sea lion looks at you, fidgets, growls, or moves, you are too close, please back up.

  • No selfies up close.

  • Keep dogs away, and never feed or handle them.

  • No Flash at Night

Wildlife Jewels Rescue

Help us protect our precious marine mammals!

Wildlife Jewels’ Rescue program is our response to the growing crisis faced by wildlife today. With increasing threats from rising water temperatures, ocean pollution, domoic acid poisoning, entanglement in fishing gear, and the devastation caused by wildfires, wildlife is under unprecedented stress. In response, we are focused on organizing and preparing for rapid and effective wildlife rescue operations. Our program's vision is rooted in strong partnerships with international collaborators, rehabilitation groups, and innovative technologists. By working together, we aim to expedite the detection, rescue, and treatment of injured wildlife, using technologies to ensure quick and efficient transport to specialized rehabilitation facilities.

Some ways you can get involved:

Take Action: Join our Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Collective Group

Join the “Wildlife Jewels Rescue Collective” and unite to protect our precious wildlife together!

Explore our Wildlife Rescue Initiatives and Updates

Wildlife Jewels Partnerships

To develop and implement transformative processes and innovations, collaboration across organizations is imperative. We are committed to fostering partnerships to jointly develop, and implement processes and innovations to swiftly rescue our precious wildlife. To find out more about our programs and partnership opportunities Contact Us!

Contact us for partnership and collaboration opportunities!

Our Projects

Marine Debris Cleanup and Wildlife Tales

Our Marine Debris Cleanup and Wildlife Tales initiative provide a distinctive chance to make a significant impact on marine conservation while delving into the experiences of distinctive marine life that have been affected by human activities. Through cleanup activities and captivating narratives, you'll play a vital role in preserving our oceans and nurturing a stronger sense of responsibility for our natural world. Join us in protecting these incredible creatures by taking small actions every day.

Collab For Wildlife™

Our Collab For Wildlife™ Group serves as a space for uniting wildlife advocates, philanthropists, technologists, researchers, policy makers, artists, scientists, lawyers, passionate individuals, and dedicated organizations, all with a shared mission: to PROTECT WILDLIFE. Within this space, we aim to ignite synergies, kindle transformative ideas, and nurture collaborations that will ensure the safety and preservation of wildlife.