Gratitude to Animals

Many of my patients and colleagues know my love for animals and the joy and peace they bring to me. I have volunteered for several animal sanctuaries throughout Los Angeles over the years, and I currently volunteer as part of the “Pinniped Patrol” for Marine Mammal Rescue Care. We must locate injured sea lions and seals reported by individuals. It can be tedious, as we are not always given an exact location. After finding the sea lions/seals, we wait for the sea lion/seal ambulance to arrive, and they are transported to the Marine Mammal Rescue Care Hospital in San Pedro, CA, where they receive care and are rehabbed to be released back into the Pacific Ocean. 

Many people ask why I volunteer my time for this. 

Sea lions and seals are an integral part of our ecosystem. They can grow to sizes ranging from two-hundred fifty pounds to eight-hundred fifty pounds. They are considered wild animals, yet they are generally not aggressive towards humans. They live in large groups and tend to flee when they sense danger. Seal lions/ seals are called “Pinnipeds,” meaning flipper or fin-footed. Sea lions and seals eat mostly hake, herring, and mackerel, eating minimal salmon. Hake is a predator of salmon, specifically juvenile salmon. Research has shown that when populations of sea lions and seals decline, the populations of hake and other predatory fish to salmon increase, contributing to higher salmon mortality rates.  

Salmon begin their lives in freshwater, then migrate to saltwater, and near death, migrate back to freshwater. Salmon, specifically Chinook Salmon, is considered a “Keystone Species,” with approximately one hundred and thirty-seven species relying on salmon to survive. Salmon produce nutrients in both fresh and saltwater for other species. When they die, their bodies sink to the bottom of the water, where they decay, and their nutrients (phosphates and nitrogen) become absorbed into the earth and water, cooling down water for hydrogen and oxygen balance and helping prevent erosion. Without salmon, our planet, animal and human populations would collapse. Sea lions and seals are enormous contributors to allowing us to walk on this earth and supporting and keeping our ecosystem intact. 

It’s essential to consider where your food sources are coming from and how overconsumption and the production of certain plants and animals can affect the environment. We are seeing the extinction of multiple animal species caused mainly by climate change, pollution, the overabundance of construction destroying natural habitats, and the mass production of animals for food. 

As this year ends, give thanks to everything, including animals, and consider finding ways to help give back to the planet. The next time you hear a very loud barking sea lion or seal, remember their presence allows us to be here.  

I wish you a happy holiday season and a happy New Year!