Rotarians learn about marine mammals

BONSALL — Bonsall Rotarians were recently educated about stranded mammals on the beach. Melissa Sciacca, director of development and marketing of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, brought the group up to date on the 37-year-old rehabilitation center.

Sciacca said the center keeps about 50 mammals, mostly sea lions and seals, and rehabilitates them with the goal of re-releasing them into the sea.

Sciacca cautioned the Rotarians never take any direct action if they discover an injured or needy mammal. She advised that people should alert a lifeguard, animal control or the center to make an assessment before capture or release. Experts will investigate whether the mammal appears to be lost, injured or temporarily out the water.

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit organization that offers free daily tours. See http://www.pacificmmc.org for more information.

For more information on Bonsall Rotary, visit http://www.bonsallrotary.com.