Spring
2014
If you’ve ever looked closely at
the captions on photographs of
pinnipeds in our newsletters or
email updates, or read some of
the signage at MMCC, you would
have seen the names Phoca
vitulina, Zalophus californianus,
or Mirounga angustirostris and
wondered what was the meaning
behind such strange terms.
These names are the scientific
names for the harbor seal, the
California sea lion and the Northern elephant seal, respectively
Zalophus californianus California sea lion
Vincent & Janice Corti
David & Linda Fenton
The Kadota Family
and are generally descriptive of
the animal in one way or another
(zalophus means “intense crest” in
reference to the male sea lion’s
sagittal crest).
All living organisms on the planet
that scientists know exist have
been assigned a scientific name.
This system is called binomial
nomenclature, and the two names
are the organism’s genus and
species. The science of classifying
organisms by describing the way(s)
in which those living things are
related is called taxonomy. Organisms with similar characteristics
are generally organized together
into groups. Taxonomy includes
extant (living) and extinct species.
Although Swedish botanist Carolus
Linnaeus is credited as being the
father of modern taxonomy,
putting plants into groups with
similar characteristics appears to
have been practiced by the ancient
Harold Mansfield
Jessica Rappe
VW & Hathaikarn Tozer
David & Virginia Witte
Gretchen Augustyn
Karen and Charles Epperley
Deborah Eppolito
Clayton Fowler
The Kelly Family
Dorothy Meyer
Lynne Onak
Laura Teasley
Julia Buck
Marlene Bishop
Maricella Chavez
Karen Constine
Darcy Hayhurst
Terry Ishihara
Cheryl & Paul Jordan
Angela Loya
Joan Maguire
Phoca vitulina - Harbor seal
Egyptians. Aristotle is recognized
as the first person to begin a
formal process of categorizing all
living things.
Modern taxonomy may be the
most rancorous branch of science,
as taxonomists are known to
engage in heated debate over the
categorization of certain organisms. Disagreement is not uncommon, especially as taxonomic
processes have become more
sophisticated with the advent of
molecular sequencing (ability to
compare the genetic code of
organisms scientists think might be
related).
Pamela Morgan
Pat Morse
Gary Parsons
Rebecca Osepian
Jessica Stern
Joan Vandegrift
Patricia and James Wayman
Lorie Zerweck
Arlene Zimmer
Employees Community Fund of Boeing CA
Occidental Petroleum Corporation
Boeing Company's Gift Match Program
Capital Group Companies Charitable Fdn.
Animal Health Fdn.
*Totals include membership contributions only
(from 7/1/2013 to 6/30/2014)
1536 West 25th Street, San Pedro, CA 90732
310.832.4352 ● www.marinemammalcare.org
Sea Dog Spring 2014
Sea Dog
Letter from the President
P. 1
A Brief History
P. 2
Volunteer Spotlight
P. 2
Take a Bite Out of This! - Part One
P. 3
Seal Open Golf Tournament
P. 3
Science Corner
P. 4
Member and Donor Recognition
P. 4
Spring at the Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur (MMCC) was busier than normal this year,
with the possibility of an El Niño on the way. El Niño poses a grave risk to seals and sea lions (pinnipeds) by
causing fish and prey species to move northward and deeper. When food is less available to pregnant and
lactating mothers, pups often grow slower or die of starvation and disease.
MAR3INE is working hard to ensure that MMCC has the capacity to deal with this possible increase of
patients and to fund much needed repairs and normal operating costs. To raise funds, we just completed
our spring solicitation, in which 52 new members joined, and contributors donated $10,945. A sincere thank
you to all of our members who donated this year!
Another major project we are working on is helping MMCC organize the annual Party for Pinnipeds. As a
MAR3INE member, you are receiving first notification that tickets are now available online for purchase at
www.marinemammalcare.org/p4p ($80 Adult, $40 Children under 12). Purchasing a ticket is an easy way
to support MMCC in this time of need! You can buy tickets online or mail a check, payable to MAR3INE, to
1536 W. 25th Street #427, San Pedro, CA 90732-4402. Please include names of guests.
The 3rd Annual Party for Pinnipeds will be held at the Aquarium of the Pacific on Friday, October 10, 2014,
from 7 PM-11 PM. Tickets include :
 VIP access to the Aquarium of the Pacific before the sun goes down
 A silent auction, featuring an assortment of fantastic items
 A delicious buffet dinner with a complimentary drink ticket
 Special viewing of an inspiring video highlighting accomplishments by dedicated volunteers and staff
 Live entertainment, including a band, animals displayed by Aquarium staff, and an amazing magician
In this edition of our newsletter, we provide a short history of MMCC, highlight MMCC volunteer Bill Beck,
review feeding procedures with help from Dr. Lauren Palmer, invite you to the Seal Open Golf Tournament,
and explain pinniped taxonomy. We hope you enjoy this issue, and thank you again for your support!
Sincerely,
Jeff Cozad, MAR3INE Board President
Photographs courtesy of the MMCC at Fort
MacArthur. All photographs were taken during
stranding response activities conducted under a
Stranding Agreement between the National Marine
Fisheries Service and the MMCC at Fort MacArthur
issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act.
MMCC in San Pedro is a unique facility. There are only a small number of facilities
engaged in the work of rehabilitating and releasing sick and injured pinnipeds on
the California coast.
In spring, one of the most commonly encountered patients at
MMCC is the weaned, sea lion pup. These animals, having been born
the previous June, are typically 8-10 months old, and have recently separated from their mothers. They usually weigh between 20-35 lbs and arrive in
poor nutritional condition.
While many of you who receive this newsletter are familiar with the rehabilitation
work done at MMCC, you may not be as familiar with the history of the facility or
some of the other activities MMCC staff and volunteers participate in.
When the animals are admitted to MMCC, they usually first receive an electrolyte solution via a feeding tube. Fluids can also be administered under the skin. Once rehydrated,
the pups are transitioned to a fish gruel, which is also administered by a feeding tube.
With that in mind, we’ve included the following article from MMCC’s website:
“MMCC is a hospital for ill, injured, and orphaned marine mammals. Our primary work is the treatment and release of
rescued California sea lions, northern elephant seals, harbor seals, and northern fur seals. This work is authorized by
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
MMCC is involved in the education of students, school teachers, and the general public in conjunction with the Los
Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD’s) Center for Marine Studies (CMS). We also actively collaborate with other
agencies, universities, and museums to learn and aid the treatment of the patients in our care.
MMCC was initially formed as the result of an agreement between Harcourt-Brace and LAUSD. MMCC began operating
in October 1992.
A major step toward their successful rehabilitation is getting them to eat fish on their own. For most pups, they’ve
already been eating in the ocean. But for those who were nursing, learning to eat fish can be a challenge. When offered a
fish at MMCC, some pups will hold the fish in their mouths, not actually eating, but not letting go either. Some need the fish
cut into tiny pieces so they can swallow them, while others prefer squid or a smaller fish, such as capelin.
To get pups to start to chase fish, sometimes volunteers use goldfish in a bowl to initiate hunting instincts. Volunteers also
drag thawed fish through water while being held with grabbers. For our volunteers, it can be a challenge to find just the
right combination for each pup to make the transition to eating and chasing whole fish.
Once eating on their own, the sea lion pup is moved to a pool with other sea lions that are also
eating. For the first few days, the pup jumps into the water, grabs a fish, and then jumps out to
swallow it. The next step is for the pup to learn to grab a fish and stay in the pool, but bring his
head above water to swallow it. The pup may bring the fish to the surface and fling his head
quickly, breaking the fish into smaller pieces. This is a natural behavior sea lions exhibit in the wild.
MMCC is a participating organization of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network. In the case of an oil spill within the Los
Angeles or Ventura County area, MMCC would respond to caring for any marine mammals exposed to petroleum
products in their environment, working under the Office of Spill Prevention and Response.”
Please be sure to visit MMCC’s website at www.marinemammalcare.org. If you haven’t visited the website lately, you’ll
be pleased to see a number of new items to get you up-to-speed on what’s going on at MMCC.
years and by the time he
had them under control,
the restaurant business
wasn’t calling.
If you’ve been to MMCC
and wondered who the
volunteer was in the white
slickers, it was Bill Beck, the
subject of this month’s
spotlight.
Born and raised in Torrance,
Bill attended North Torrance High School and then
El Camino College. In the
early 1980s, he began work
for Houlihan’s Restaurant,
went through their chef
training program, became a
head chef/kitchen manager
and worked for Houlihan’s
for twenty years.
Sea Dog Spring 2014- P. 2
His next culinary stop was
as a corporate trainer,
traveling around the
country opening new
restaurants. He was about
to move to Colorado to
take a job as a head chef for
a new company when
health issues inadvertently
changed his plans. His
struggle to address his
health issues lasted two
An outdoorsman with an
interest in wildlife, especially marine mammals, Bill
heard of MMCC and decided to become a volunteer,
not really knowing what
was in store for him as an
animal care volunteer. He
was “hooked” after restraining his first elephant
seal.
Bill fondly remembers
“Princess,” a skinny and
malnourished sea lion pup
who got her nickname from
the pink princess blanket
she slept on. She wasn’t
expected to survive her first
night at MMCC, but she did,
and Bill was there when she
was released.
When asked about his
experience as an animal
care volunteer, Bill said, “All
the people that work and
volunteer at MMCC are
awesome; it’s like one big
family. I’m very lucky and
fortunate to know and work
with them.” MMCC is indeed lucky and fortunate to
have volunteers like Bill
who commit themselves to
the demanding work of
rehabilitating sick and
injured pinnipeds.
Before the pup is released, it will have doubled its body weight, will be eating between 7.5- 9 lbs
of fish a day, and will be eating whole fish, in a deep pool, with other competitive sea lions. As
simple as it seems, this process can take weeks to months, but it is always a relief to finally see
each individual develop the necessary skills to survive. MMCC repeats this process with each of
several hundred patients that arrive each spring.
Mirounga angustirostris Northern elephant seal
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT ON FEEDING NEONATE PUPS!
On Saturday, August 16th, at 9:30 AM, MMCC volunteers Danny Brainard and Sarah Castello will
be holding the first annual Seal Open Golf Tournament at the Riverview Golf Course in Santa Ana.
It is a two person scramble format, and tickets include golf, a cart, a warm up bucket of balls, bbq
lunch, prizes, and a silent auction. Tickets are only $85 per player.
To purchase tickets, please download a registration form at www.marinemammlcareorg/events
and mail with a check/money order to the Seal Open Golf Tournament, Attn: Danny Brainard, 9024 Canyon Shadows
Place, Corona, CA 92883. Please make checks payable to the Foundation for Marine Animal Husbandry.
If you know of any donations for the silent auction, such as local restaurant gift certificates or new golf merchandise, or
for any other event questions, please contact Danny Brainard at 805-423-2020 or [email protected].
MMCC in San Pedro is a unique facility. There are only a small number of facilities
engaged in the work of rehabilitating and releasing sick and injured pinnipeds on
the California coast.
In spring, one of the most commonly encountered patients at
MMCC is the weaned, sea lion pup. These animals, having been born
the previous June, are typically 8-10 months old, and have recently separated from their mothers. They usually weigh between 20-35 lbs and arrive in
poor nutritional condition.
While many of you who receive this newsletter are familiar with the rehabilitation
work done at MMCC, you may not be as familiar with the history of the facility or
some of the other activities MMCC staff and volunteers participate in.
When the animals are admitted to MMCC, they usually first receive an electrolyte solution via a feeding tube. Fluids can also be administered under the skin. Once rehydrated,
the pups are transitioned to a fish gruel, which is also administered by a feeding tube.
With that in mind, we’ve included the following article from MMCC’s website:
“MMCC is a hospital for ill, injured, and orphaned marine mammals. Our primary work is the treatment and release of
rescued California sea lions, northern elephant seals, harbor seals, and northern fur seals. This work is authorized by
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
MMCC is involved in the education of students, school teachers, and the general public in conjunction with the Los
Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD’s) Center for Marine Studies (CMS). We also actively collaborate with other
agencies, universities, and museums to learn and aid the treatment of the patients in our care.
MMCC was initially formed as the result of an agreement between Harcourt-Brace and LAUSD. MMCC began operating
in October 1992.
A major step toward their successful rehabilitation is getting them to eat fish on their own. For most pups, they’ve
already been eating in the ocean. But for those who were nursing, learning to eat fish can be a challenge. When offered a
fish at MMCC, some pups will hold the fish in their mouths, not actually eating, but not letting go either. Some need the fish
cut into tiny pieces so they can swallow them, while others prefer squid or a smaller fish, such as capelin.
To get pups to start to chase fish, sometimes volunteers use goldfish in a bowl to initiate hunting instincts. Volunteers also
drag thawed fish through water while being held with grabbers. For our volunteers, it can be a challenge to find just the
right combination for each pup to make the transition to eating and chasing whole fish.
Once eating on their own, the sea lion pup is moved to a pool with other sea lions that are also
eating. For the first few days, the pup jumps into the water, grabs a fish, and then jumps out to
swallow it. The next step is for the pup to learn to grab a fish and stay in the pool, but bring his
head above water to swallow it. The pup may bring the fish to the surface and fling his head
quickly, breaking the fish into smaller pieces. This is a natural behavior sea lions exhibit in the wild.
MMCC is a participating organization of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network. In the case of an oil spill within the Los
Angeles or Ventura County area, MMCC would respond to caring for any marine mammals exposed to petroleum
products in their environment, working under the Office of Spill Prevention and Response.”
Please be sure to visit MMCC’s website at www.marinemammalcare.org. If you haven’t visited the website lately, you’ll
be pleased to see a number of new items to get you up-to-speed on what’s going on at MMCC.
years and by the time he
had them under control,
the restaurant business
wasn’t calling.
If you’ve been to MMCC
and wondered who the
volunteer was in the white
slickers, it was Bill Beck, the
subject of this month’s
spotlight.
Born and raised in Torrance,
Bill attended North Torrance High School and then
El Camino College. In the
early 1980s, he began work
for Houlihan’s Restaurant,
went through their chef
training program, became a
head chef/kitchen manager
and worked for Houlihan’s
for twenty years.
Sea Dog Spring 2014- P. 2
His next culinary stop was
as a corporate trainer,
traveling around the
country opening new
restaurants. He was about
to move to Colorado to
take a job as a head chef for
a new company when
health issues inadvertently
changed his plans. His
struggle to address his
health issues lasted two
An outdoorsman with an
interest in wildlife, especially marine mammals, Bill
heard of MMCC and decided to become a volunteer,
not really knowing what
was in store for him as an
animal care volunteer. He
was “hooked” after restraining his first elephant
seal.
Bill fondly remembers
“Princess,” a skinny and
malnourished sea lion pup
who got her nickname from
the pink princess blanket
she slept on. She wasn’t
expected to survive her first
night at MMCC, but she did,
and Bill was there when she
was released.
When asked about his
experience as an animal
care volunteer, Bill said, “All
the people that work and
volunteer at MMCC are
awesome; it’s like one big
family. I’m very lucky and
fortunate to know and work
with them.” MMCC is indeed lucky and fortunate to
have volunteers like Bill
who commit themselves to
the demanding work of
rehabilitating sick and
injured pinnipeds.
Before the pup is released, it will have doubled its body weight, will be eating between 7.5- 9 lbs
of fish a day, and will be eating whole fish, in a deep pool, with other competitive sea lions. As
simple as it seems, this process can take weeks to months, but it is always a relief to finally see
each individual develop the necessary skills to survive. MMCC repeats this process with each of
several hundred patients that arrive each spring.
Mirounga angustirostris Northern elephant seal
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT ON FEEDING NEONATE PUPS!
On Saturday, August 16th, at 9:30 AM, MMCC volunteers Danny Brainard and Sarah Castello will
be holding the first annual Seal Open Golf Tournament at the Riverview Golf Course in Santa Ana.
It is a two person scramble format, and tickets include golf, a cart, a warm up bucket of balls, bbq
lunch, prizes, and a silent auction. Tickets are only $85 per player.
To purchase tickets, please download a registration form at www.marinemammlcareorg/events
and mail with a check/money order to the Seal Open Golf Tournament, Attn: Danny Brainard, 9024 Canyon Shadows
Place, Corona, CA 92883. Please make checks payable to the Foundation for Marine Animal Husbandry.
If you know of any donations for the silent auction, such as local restaurant gift certificates or new golf merchandise, or
for any other event questions, please contact Danny Brainard at 805-423-2020 or [email protected].
Spring
2014
If you’ve ever looked closely at
the captions on photographs of
pinnipeds in our newsletters or
email updates, or read some of
the signage at MMCC, you would
have seen the names Phoca
vitulina, Zalophus californianus,
or Mirounga angustirostris and
wondered what was the meaning
behind such strange terms.
These names are the scientific
names for the harbor seal, the
California sea lion and the Northern elephant seal, respectively
Zalophus californianus California sea lion
Vincent & Janice Corti
David & Linda Fenton
The Kadota Family
and are generally descriptive of
the animal in one way or another
(zalophus means “intense crest” in
reference to the male sea lion’s
sagittal crest).
All living organisms on the planet
that scientists know exist have
been assigned a scientific name.
This system is called binomial
nomenclature, and the two names
are the organism’s genus and
species. The science of classifying
organisms by describing the way(s)
in which those living things are
related is called taxonomy. Organisms with similar characteristics
are generally organized together
into groups. Taxonomy includes
extant (living) and extinct species.
Although Swedish botanist Carolus
Linnaeus is credited as being the
father of modern taxonomy,
putting plants into groups with
similar characteristics appears to
have been practiced by the ancient
Harold Mansfield
Jessica Rappe
VW & Hathaikarn Tozer
David & Virginia Witte
Gretchen Augustyn
Karen and Charles Epperley
Deborah Eppolito
Clayton Fowler
The Kelly Family
Dorothy Meyer
Lynne Onak
Laura Teasley
Julia Buck
Marlene Bishop
Maricella Chavez
Karen Constine
Darcy Hayhurst
Terry Ishihara
Cheryl & Paul Jordan
Angela Loya
Joan Maguire
Phoca vitulina - Harbor seal
Egyptians. Aristotle is recognized
as the first person to begin a
formal process of categorizing all
living things.
Modern taxonomy may be the
most rancorous branch of science,
as taxonomists are known to
engage in heated debate over the
categorization of certain organisms. Disagreement is not uncommon, especially as taxonomic
processes have become more
sophisticated with the advent of
molecular sequencing (ability to
compare the genetic code of
organisms scientists think might be
related).
Pamela Morgan
Pat Morse
Gary Parsons
Rebecca Osepian
Jessica Stern
Joan Vandegrift
Patricia and James Wayman
Lorie Zerweck
Arlene Zimmer
Employees Community Fund of Boeing CA
Occidental Petroleum Corporation
Boeing Company's Gift Match Program
Capital Group Companies Charitable Fdn.
Animal Health Fdn.
*Totals include membership contributions only
(from 7/1/2013 to 6/30/2014)
1536 West 25th Street, San Pedro, CA 90732
310.832.4352 ● www.marinemammalcare.org
Sea Dog Spring 2014
Sea Dog
Letter from the President
P. 1
A Brief History
P. 2
Volunteer Spotlight
P. 2
Take a Bite Out of This! - Part One
P. 3
Seal Open Golf Tournament
P. 3
Science Corner
P. 4
Member and Donor Recognition
P. 4
Spring at the Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur (MMCC) was busier than normal this year,
with the possibility of an El Niño on the way. El Niño poses a grave risk to seals and sea lions (pinnipeds) by
causing fish and prey species to move northward and deeper. When food is less available to pregnant and
lactating mothers, pups often grow slower or die of starvation and disease.
MAR3INE is working hard to ensure that MMCC has the capacity to deal with this possible increase of
patients and to fund much needed repairs and normal operating costs. To raise funds, we just completed
our spring solicitation, in which 52 new members joined, and contributors donated $10,945. A sincere thank
you to all of our members who donated this year!
Another major project we are working on is helping MMCC organize the annual Party for Pinnipeds. As a
MAR3INE member, you are receiving first notification that tickets are now available online for purchase at
www.marinemammalcare.org/p4p ($80 Adult, $40 Children under 12). Purchasing a ticket is an easy way
to support MMCC in this time of need! You can buy tickets online or mail a check, payable to MAR3INE, to
1536 W. 25th Street #427, San Pedro, CA 90732-4402. Please include names of guests.
The 3rd Annual Party for Pinnipeds will be held at the Aquarium of the Pacific on Friday, October 10, 2014,
from 7 PM-11 PM. Tickets include :
 VIP access to the Aquarium of the Pacific before the sun goes down
 A silent auction, featuring an assortment of fantastic items
 A delicious buffet dinner with a complimentary drink ticket
 Special viewing of an inspiring video highlighting accomplishments by dedicated volunteers and staff
 Live entertainment, including a band, animals displayed by Aquarium staff, and an amazing magician
In this edition of our newsletter, we provide a short history of MMCC, highlight MMCC volunteer Bill Beck,
review feeding procedures with help from Dr. Lauren Palmer, invite you to the Seal Open Golf Tournament,
and explain pinniped taxonomy. We hope you enjoy this issue, and thank you again for your support!
Sincerely,
Jeff Cozad, MAR3INE Board President
Photographs courtesy of the MMCC at Fort
MacArthur. All photographs were taken during
stranding response activities conducted under a
Stranding Agreement between the National Marine
Fisheries Service and the MMCC at Fort MacArthur
issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act.