“So cool! Team Venice Paparazzi had the amazing opportunity to name a sea lion, thanks to Marine Mammal Care for this wonderful experience.”
The Venice Paparazzi Team met the fine folks at Marine Mammal Care Los Angeles in April as we were helping Christian and Justin from Nalu Vida bring what is now known as Second Saturdays to life. At the time there was an algae outbreak that was killing dolphins and sea lions, so Venice Paparazzi partnered with Nalu Vida to do a fundraiser for Marine Mammal Care. As a thank you for helping with the fundraiser, Marine Mammal Care asked us to name a sea lion. We chose the name Gertrude in honor of our pitbull that died unexpectedly at six years of age.
Marine Mammal Care Center’s CEO John Warner (top Center) and Venice Paparazzi’s Alex Stowell (right). Taken at the Nalu Vida Fundraiser
About Marine Mammal Care:
The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a leader in the field of marine mammal health and conservation.
We are the only organization authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to respond to marine mammals in distress year-round along the entire Los Angeles County coastline from Malibu to Long Beach, Catalina Island and at sea.
Our mission is to inspire ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, education, and research. And our vision is of a healthy ocean ecosystem where people and marine life thrive together. Read more here
MEET GERTRUDE THE SEA LION!
Gertrude is a subadult female California sea lion who was spotted on the Redondo Beach marine mammal barge with a fishing net wrapped tightly around her face and neck. The Center’s marine mammal responders worked with the Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol to rescue her, approaching the barge by boat and using a deep net with a pole extension for extra reach. Once at our hospital, the netting was removed, and X-rays revealed some damage to her jaw. Our animal care experts are watching Gertrude closely to ensure she will be able to successfully catch and eat fish on her own as she begins recovery.
Photo courtesy of Marine Mammal Care
Photo courtesy of Marine Mammal Care
Gertrude updates:
Update 8/28:
Update:
I wanted to let you know Gertrude continues to do well in care, and our veterinary team is planning to do her release exam next week. If everything goes well, she will be ready to be released shortly after that. Her release location will most likely be Cabrillo Beach, the closest beach to us.
Thank you for helping give animals like Gertrude a second chance at life.
Watch Gertrude eat a fish here!
MORE ABOUT MARINE MAMMAL CARE!
The Center rehabilitates sick and injured marine mammals at our hospital until they can be released back to the wild. Annually, the Center cares for 250 to 500 sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals, and harbor seals. Since 1992, we’ve cared for more than 10,000 marine mammals.
MMCC rescues and responds to marine mammals along the entire coast of Los Angeles County, including Catalina Island, and recent trends indicate that strandings will continue to increase, with cyclical spikes occurring more frequently. Causes of strandings include malnutrition, infectious diseases, entanglements, and toxicity from harmful algal blooms, among other threats. On average, our experts respond to 750 to 1,000 reports of marine mammals in distress each year.
MMCC’s education programs provide learning opportunities for K-12 students, community organizations, conservation partners, and the public. Our programs are designed to be inquiry-driven and learner-centric, emphasizing the important role that we all play in environmental stewardship. We create experiences that motivate, inspire and equip people to take concrete actions to protect the ocean and marine mammals.
Our veterinary team contributes to important scientific research to advance marine animal rehabilitation and broader conversation efforts.
We partner with scientists around the country to collaborate on environmental investigations and findings.
Marine Mammal Care Center’s Ashley Quincey and CEO John Warner in the 8/7/25 Venice Paparazzi photo booth at Nalu Vida
So now you know who to call if you find distressed Marine Mammals!
The Marine Mammal Care Center rescues more marine mammals per mile of coastline than any other organization in the United States.
As the only experts authorized to respond to live marine mammals in Los Angeles County, the Center’s rescue range extends along more than 70 miles from Malibu to Long Beach, on Catalina Island and at sea.
Your call matters: Thanks to caring people like you, the Marine Mammal Care Center rescues 300 to 400 sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and harbor seals each year, and has treated close to 10,000 marine mammals since 1992.
To report a live marine mammal in need, call the Marine Mammal Care Center’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-39-WHALE.
To report sick, injured or abandoned seals or sea lions, call our toll-free hotline 1-800-39-WHALE
To report birds, sea turtles or dead marine mammals, see details below
Learn more about Sharing the Shore and dolphin strandings
Here are a variety of ways available to you as you consider a gift in support of the Marine Mammal Care Center.
Your gift supports programs and services that meet the immediate, critical needs of the Marine Mammal Care Center. Unless otherwise indicated, your gift will be used in the area of greatest need.
Follow and fan Marine Mammal Care on facebook and on IG
For more info: https://marinemammalcare.org/
