How to report a marine mammal in distress

To report sick, injured or abandoned marine mammals, call the 24-hour hotline:
415-289-7325 (SEAL)

The Marine Mammal Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Rescue teams are staff and volunteers who are specially trained in responding to seals, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins and more, in a variety of locations from beaches to docks to rocky shores. When an animal is reported, a team is dispatched as quickly as possible to assess the situation and rescue the animal if appropriate.

Sick, injured or orphaned animals needing care are brought to the Marine Mammal Center’s state-of-the-art veterinary facilities where they receive the highest quality of care.

Follow These Steps

To ensure your safety and the safety of the animals, keep these guidelines in mind as you observe and report stranded marine mammals.

Keep Your Distance

Do not touch, pick up or feed the animal. Do not return the animal to the water. Keep a distance of at least 50 feet. If an animal reacts to your presence, you're too close.

Locate

Determine the animal's exact location for accurate reporting.

Observe

Note physical characteristic such as size, presence of external ears and fur color. Does the animal appear weak or skinny? Does it have any open wounds or obvious ID tags or markings?

Call

Call The Marine Mammal Center at 415-289-SEAL with details about the animal and your location.