Marine Mammal Center in the Marin Headlands re-opens to visitors on June 15

Posted by admin on May 12, 2009

Based in the Marin Headlands, the Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit veterinary hospital, research, and educational center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals. Since 1975, the center has rescued and treated more than 14,000 marine mammals, including elephant seals, harbor seals, otters, and California sea lions.

On June 15, the Marine Mammal Center re-opens its doors to the public, after having closed off visitor access in 2005. The center embarked on an ambitious, four-year project to rebuild its headquarters in order to accommodate the medical needs of its patients, as well as upgrade facilities that were more than 30 years old.

The center’s new design allows guests a greater "behind-the-scenes" look into the facility’s day-to-day work, as visitors can peer into different viewing windows to watch as patients are tended, feeds are prepared, and lab work is conducted. Visitors can also enjoy the new Community Education Building, which includes a marine science discovery area with interpretive exhibits, an indoor classroom, and retail store. Admission is free, though donations are always welcome. If you can, visit the center March through November, which is peak season to see the patients.

Aside from seeing all the adorable otters and seals, be sure to take a good look at the eco-friendly changes and additions made to the Marine Mammal Center during the renovations. The new hospital is a "green marvel" in its use of recycled building materials, approach to conserving energy, and the way it maintains harmony between the existing natural landscape of the Marin Headlands and its patients’ needs.

From the upper viewing area, visitors can see the new photovoltaic shade structures that reduce energy consumption by about 10% and provide patients with protection from the elements. In addition, former underground Nike missile silos now house a modernized water treatment system that quadruples the center’s patient-load capabilities and provides the best, healthiest environment for the animals.