by Rachel Bishop, Development and Communications Officer
Tinkerbell the harbor seal pup rests on the beach as she returns to the ocean. NOAA Permit #24359.
Since the doors of SR3’s SeaLife Rescue Center first opened in 2021, together we have gone from finding our footing to building real momentum.
Below are the highlights from our 2024 Impact Report to supporters like you. Behind each of these numbers is the face of an animal like Tinkerbell (above) who was protected thanks to this generous community.
And every success is a reflection of the progress we’ve made together - for the oceans, for marine animals, and for the future of conservation!
342 RESPONSE CALLS ANSWERED
Veterinarian Michelle keeps Zaratan’s head above water during a feeding attempt early on in care. USFWS #0009803-0.
Zaratan - an endangered loggerhead sea turtle - was one of many marine animals who received emergency response services thanks to your support. When she washed ashore in Oregon after becoming hypothermic in our cold Pacific Northwest waters, our team drove overnight to bring her to safety.
During her time in care, Zaratan regained her mobility and appetite, recovered from pneumonia, and ultimately she returned to warmer waters off the coast of Southern California.
As rising water temperatures are forcing endangered animals like Zaratan to shift their habitats, your support allows us to serve as boots-on-the-ground responders to the climate crisis.
61 REHABILITATION PATIENTS ADMITTED
Griffin’s return to the ocean, a satellite tracker glued to his back. NOAA Permit #24359.
Griffin, our first patient of the harbor seal pupping season, was diagnosed with megaesophagus - a condition historically considered a death sentence for seals. But thanks to a groundbreaking new treatment, Griffin defied the odds.
After 152 days at the Rescue Center, Griffin returned to the ocean after overcoming a condition that once would have made it impossible for him to recover and swim free again.
Fueled by your compassion, SR3 was the first in the region to successfully treat this previously fatal disorder in harbor seals. A total of three patients with megaesophagus were treated this year and released back to the wild!
Staff and volunteers celebrate Griffin’s release.
“Each seal pup was incredibly special… It was such a rewarding experience to be part of their journey and see the progress they made.”
10 RESEARCH PROJECTS ADVANCED
Through research projects on a wide range of whale and dolphin populations around the world, together we advanced global ocean conservation by shedding light on the effects of climate change and other human-caused threats.
J pod Southern Resident killer whales in July 2024. Image obtained using an octocopter drone that was flown non-invasively >100ft above the whales under NMFS research permit 22306 and DFO Research License MML-50.
For the endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs), our researchers collected critical health data in ten months out of the year, triggering urgent protections for 16 vulnerable whales essential to the population’s survival.
With your support of the research driving these emergency measures over the past four years, together we played a key role in securing a new law that will help safeguard all SRKWs in Washington waters by requiring boats to give them extra space starting in January 2025.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Over the year, volunteers contributed 8,810 hours to rescuing and protecting marine life, equating to a value of $295,047!
Through this time and dedication, 9,751 people were educated on ocean health, 14,000+ meals were delivered to patients at the Rescue Center, and much more.
17.6 pounds was the average weight of rehabilitated pups at intake
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49.4 pounds was the average weight of rehabilitated pups at release
SR3’s 2024 FINANCIALS
Animal care staff KC (left) teaches past intern and volunteer Sam (right) how to feed a harbor seal progressing through fish school. NOAA Permit #24359.
