People hear "marine biologist in Sausalito" and picture me on a boat with a clipboard, whales breaching in the background. Some weeks, sure. Most weeks it's a hose, a bucket of herring, and a sea lion pup named after a cheese.
This summer we've had a lot of pups come in malnourished — warmer water pushes the fish further out and the young ones can't follow. They arrive at the hospital on the headlands weighing half what they should. We tube-feed them fish smoothie (yes, really) until they can eat whole fish, then teach them to compete for it.
The best day is release day. We drive them out to Rodeo Beach or up to Point Reyes in crates, open the doors, and they just go. They never look back. Every time, I cry a little.
If you're in the Marin Headlands, the center is open to visitors. Come say hi to Gouda.
