Shore Buddies Wisdom Wednesday
Photo by The Marine Mammal Center
“The Marine Mammal Center has been conducting research on marine mammal diseases since 1975. Because animals in our care offer a unique opportunity to perform blood and tissue analyses, The Marine Mammal Center has become a leading resource for researchers and scientists to turn to for answers about marine mammal care, medicine and health data. Every marine mammal patient we treat provides a never-before-seen glimpse into human medical conditions.”
Shore Buddies supports rescued wildlife during the COVID-19 shutdown. Many animal care facilities are struggling with providing continuous care for their patients. Shore Buddies decided to partner with 4x organizations and DONATE 100% of PROFITS for the treatment of those animals in these troubling times. One of those organizations is The Marine Mammal Center! Every purchase of Sammy the Seal goes to helping these seals!
"Domoic Acid Toxicosis - Toxic Algae Poisoning In 1998, The Marine Mammal Center diagnosed the first case of domoic acid toxicosis in marine mammals, and has conducted extensive studies of the condition since then. This neurotoxin produced by toxic algae accumulates in mussels, sardines and anchovies, which are then eaten by sea lions, otters, cetaceans and humans, among others. Exposure to domoic acid results in brain damage, causing lethargy, disorientation and seizures that sometimes result in death.
Leptospirosis - Kidney Damage in Sea Lions Every four to five years, The Marine Mammal Center sees a surge in the number of California sea lions that are admitted with symptoms of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that affects the kidneys and can be lethal for patients. If not treated, the bacteria can cause irreversible kidney damage.
Cancer - High Prevalence in California Sea Lions A specific cancer of epithelial origin was first diagnosed in California sea lions at The Marine Mammal Center in 1979. Approximately 26% of adult stranded sea lions that die are diagnosed with cancer."