FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 13 July 2010
Contact: Peter Wallerstein, Marine Animal Rescue 310-560-6284
MARINE ANIMAL RESCUE
ANNOUNCES STATE-OF-THE-ART
MARINE MAMMAL CARE CENTER
TO BE BUILT IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Marine Animal Rescue (MAR) has transformed marine animal response and rescue in Los Angeles County to be one of the best on the continent.
MAR has rescued 329 (and counting) marine mammals in 2010.
Now, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/NMFS) agrees with MAR: There is a need for additional resources to assist sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals. The administration has authorized MAR to design, construct and operate a second marine mammal care site in Los Angeles County, to rehabilitate hundreds of marine mammals each year.
MAR director Peter Wallerstein said, “Under the authority granted by NOAA/NMFS to The Pacific Marine Mammal Care Center in Laguna Beach, we can ensure that each and every animal in our care receives the best medical attention, increasing their chances to be released back to their coastal habitat, healthy and strong.
Wallerstein added, “MAR will work closely with PMMC, and will be able to consult with them on every rescue case.”
In years past, due to overcrowded conditions in California rehabilitation centers, some animals were unable to be rescued.
This is changing.
The planned new site, at Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey, has the California State Parks representative commending MAR’s vision. MAR is excited to have the award-winning green architect David Hertz and staff collaborating on this very important project. The finished project will have heated floors, an indoor intensive care unit, and the latest in diagnostic and surgical equipment. It will further our knowledge of marine mammal health and serve as a marine mammal teaching hospital.
Priscilla Feral, president of Friends of Animals, stated: “I cannot be happier with our merger with Marine Animal Rescue. With the go-ahead from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Peter Wallerstein’s work is finally being given its due and appreciated for its ecological importance.”
“Now, as Wallerstein has the ability not only to save animals but to follow through with their medical care, MAR’s toughest work begins,” said Feral. “The Pacific Marine Mammal Care Center and Wallerstein merit our highest approval, and our constant support.”
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