Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Lindsey Koch is a dedicated marine biology professional with extensive experience in public education and outreach. Currently serving as the Public Education and Outreach Coordinator and Marine Education Instructor at Pacific Marine Mammal Center since April 2022, Lindsey previously worked as an Education Specialist at Alaska SeaLife Center and as an Educator at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Responsibilities have included developing and managing engaging public programs, presenting live animals, and conducting environmental education for K-12 students. Additional experiences include internships and volunteer positions focused on sea turtle monitoring and animal care, complemented by a Bachelor of Applied Science in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education and collaboration. Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Unlike whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions don't have to remain in water in order to survive. The animals beach themselves to be warm and dry when feeling ill. They seek rest on land for a variety of reasons and are not always in need of intervention. Our staff is trained to recognize animals suffering from infections, malnourishment, pneumonia, gill net strangulation, etc. which can harm an animal's chance for survival. When a "patient" is admitted, our staff performs all necessary procedures under the direction and protocols set by the Animal Care Director and our Veterinary Medical Director. During the course of rehabilitation, animals require a variety of treatments such as administration of antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids, tube feeding, force feeding, wound care, etc. Most animals come in dehydrated and the most effective means to provide fluids and nourishment is through tube feeding. The process requires blending of fish, electrolytes, warm water, vitamins, and medication into a fish formula. This formula is fed to the animals by inserting a flexible tube into the stomach using large syringes. As soon as the animals are hydrated and stable, we wean them to eat whole fish. Once an animal has gained an optimal weight and is competing for food, it's ready for release. Prior to release, each animal is tagged with an identification number. The color-coded tags indicate the animal has been rehabilitated and helps identify the specific animal and care center in case the animal needs care in the future. We strive to return every one of our patients back to the wild once their care with us is complete.