BARBARY COAST DIVERS NEWSLETTER

p3

The Marine Mammal Center

Roy and I volunteer at the Marine Mammal Center on Friday nights (and you're welcome to join us) and maybe you've seen it, but may not know the full extent of the operation.

Part III: Release - Elephant Seals

Once an animal has gained an optimal weight and is competing for food, it's ready for release. Prior to release, each animal is tagged with an identification number. The color-coded tags indicate the animal has been rehabilitated and helps identify the specific animal and care center in case the animal needs care in the future. We strive to return every one of our patients back to the wild once their care with us is complete.

On 28 April 06 we released these three elephant seal weaners, "Peyton," "Bulldozer," and "Zathura" back into the wild at Point Reyes.

The guy in the foreground (not in a crate) is a seal from a previous release, coming to check out the newcomers.

The three seals are let out of their crates.

The releasees make a beeline to the water. Sometimes elephant seals don't go straight to the water upon release - they'll often be confused by this new environment and mill about their crates.

Having a swim in their salt-water world.