Success Story

Harbor seal pup Lucinda was found with fishing gear dangling from her tiny body. The most heartbreaking part was that Lucinda’s mouth was tugged at each time she moved her front flipper due to the hooks and fishing line that connected them. Thankfully, she was rescued and brought to The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital for live-saving care. 

Once at our hospital, Lucinda’s admit exam revealed that her entanglement was worse than what could be seen at first glance. Using advanced medical equipment, our veterinarians were able to see inside Lucinda’s body, where they discovered a third hook embedded in her stomach that would have to be removed surgically. 

Thanks to caring people like you, Lucinda recovered well after her disentanglement surgery. In fact, she started eating the very next day! It wasn’t long before Lucinda made a full recovery and was released back to her ocean home.

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The Marine Mammal Center advances global ocean conservation through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.

The ocean is in trouble. From the depletion of fish stocks to increasing ocean temperatures, human activity threatens marine ecosystems that are vital to the health of our ocean and all life on earth. As a critical first responder to these threats, the Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. Marine mammals are ecosystem indicators, and these animals provide insights into human and ocean health threats. Together, we are taking action today to support a network of scientists and stewards to protect our shared ocean environment for future generations.