Naga Overcame the Odds!

Naga, a harbor seal pup initially suffering from maternal separation and malnutrition, came to the Rescue Center on August 8th. Shortly into her time in care, we discovered that she also had a disorder called megaesophagus, where the esophagus dilates and loses its ability to move food from the mouth to the stomach. Naga was the fourth patient this summer to be diagnosed with this disorder.

Naga returned to the ocean after receiving a groundbreaking new treatment for megaesophagus, a condition historically considered a death sentence for seals.

Luckily, two of the harbor seals prior to Naga were successfully treated and returned to the wild, and after several months of daily medications, Naga improved as well.

Click here to read the rest of Naga's story! >>

The Invisible Threats

You see a harbor seal alone on the beach. They seem to be alert and able to move. They're lifting their head and hind flippers, a sign that the seal has enough energy to be able to regulate their temperature.

But what is normal for a harbor seal? Is something wrong?

In the case of SR3's second patient of the year, 25-2, yes something was wrong.

Harbor seal 25-2 on Alki Beach, Seattle, in January. Photo taken by community member James Tilley.

Click to learn why this seal needed help >>

Winter Whale Research is a Wrap

The SR3 team has been busy collecting valuable winter data on the health of killer whales in the Salish Sea, and even traveled to Antarctica where they continued SR3's long-term research on the health of whales in this rapidly changing ecosystem. 

Top left: Drone flight ops on SR3's R/V Helen with Bigg's transient killer whales in January '25. Top right: Members of L pod from the endangered population of Southern Resident killer whales in November '24. Bottom left: Research team on a zodiac in the Antarctic Peninsula in February '25. Bottom right: An encounter with humpback whales in the Antarctic Peninsula in February '25.  Aerial images were collected non-invasively from >100ft above the whales using a remotely-controlled hexacopter drone. Research conducted under NMFS Permit # 22306, DFO Research License XMMS 7 2023 and Antarctic Conservation Act Permit ACA 2017-029.

Learn more about our winter whale research >>

From Shore to Sea: Volunteering with SR3

Interested in a meaningful way to get involved?

SR3 is excited to offer expanded volunteer opportunities for anyone (18+) to join - no prior experience required!

Whether you're eager to train for a hands-on role in animal husbandry or prefer to support our mission behind the scenes, there's a place for you.

Click here to explore the ways you can contribute >>

Six animal husbandry volunteers in their dish gloves and slickers smile for a photo during a sunny summer shift. NOAA Permit #24359.

Ocean Hero Highlights

Have you wondered what lies behind our fence? Come to the Rescue Center Open House on April 26th! Swing by between 10am and 2pm to take a tour of the facility and ask staff and volunteers questions about rehabilitating marine mammals.

This is a free family-friendly event, and there will be activities for youth as well as a chance to shop our gift store in person! Tours take approximately 30 minutes.

To minimize the stress and habituation to humans for any patients in care, please note that animal viewing will not be a part of the tour.

We recently announced that one of our incredible supporters is offering to match new monthly gifts - for an entire year - and some of this match is still available!

If you're not already a part of our Wavemakers monthly giving club, please consider starting an automatic monthly donation today for as little as $10.

Click here to have 2x the life-saving power ALL YEAR long! >>

Over the past several weeks, thousands of marine wildlife advocates like you took action to oppose House Joint Memorial 4004 (HJM 4004), a misguided effort that sought to expand the killing of seals and sea lions across Washington State.

Thankfully, HJM 4004 expired on the House Floor! 

While it can no longer advance during the current legislative session, it will likely resurface in the subsequent year.

SR3 will remain vigilant, and if needed, together we will again take action for our marine animal neighbors!