Rescue Stories
From the days when MAR was known as Whale Rescue Team, over 25 years ago, we have conducted thousands of successful marine mammal rescues including whales in fishing nets, stranded dolphins, seals and sea lions.
All of our rescues are important to us. Although some rescues are more memorable than others, each and every animal gets our very best effort each and every time.
Below are samples of the wide variety of locations that we are called upon to assist the animals, along with some of our most memorable rescues.
J.J. Baby Whale Rescue Story
“Marina (JJ) would come up to embrace and caress the boat, reaching out for contact, food and nurturing. I felt so helpless I did feel her presence her feelings very clearly. This was a tough one.”
Buoy Gillnet Rescue Story
“And while other sea lions lounging on the buoy were able to jump into the water, the trapped animal was only pulling the nylon cord tighter around its neck as it tried to escape.”
Domoic Acid Poising Rescue Stories
“The official numbers provided by the Federal government are considerably lower than the actual numbers. Many dead sea lions are still washing on shore daily.”
Power Plant Basin Rescue
“The bewildered animal didn’t have much time. The constantly moving basin waters in the basin provided no place for the sea lion to haul out to rest and warm his body.”
Flood Control Channel Rescue
“This 200 pound sea lion found her way 7 miles from the ocean in the flood control channel also known as Ballona Creek. As you’ll see in the video, the sea lion was still strong, fast and aggressive.”
Other Rescue Stories
“One whack in the face of a rescuer by the tail of the dolphin, can cause serious injury. It took six of us to place the cargo net underneath the dolphin and walk her to the beach.”
Rescue Stories
Please help support the Marine Animal Rescue project. Your gift will help rescue and save the lives of sick, injured or orphaned marine animals including whales, seals, sea lions and seabirds.
All contributions, bequests and gifts are fully tax-deductible in accordance with current laws.
Please use the form below to securely donate using your credit card.
© 2026 Marine Animal Rescue | P.O. Box 821, El Segundo, CA 90245 | 310-455-2729