Baby Harbor Seal Rescued

Julian Omidi is an advocate for the welfare and safety of animals. In today’s blog, Julian shares an experience he had this weekend rescuing an abandoned baby harbor seal.

In life, you never know when you will have an opportunity to help those in need. Situations will arise where, through sheer luck, you have the chance to make a difference. My brother, Dr. Michael Omidi, and I had such a chance this past weekend.

During a trip to the beach, we discovered a baby harbor seal. This poor animal had been abandoned, and was dying. After keeping the orphaned seal warm by wrapping it in a towel, we were able to contact a local rescue group.


Harbor seals are a common sight in California, as there are approximately 40,000 occupying the waters. They are easily observable in shallow areas where sandbars, rocks and beaches are exposed during low tides. Due to their proclivity for remaining close to land, it is not uncommon for harbor seal pups to become separated from their mothers. When this occurs, a seal’s chances of survival are dramatically reduced. Lost pups are highly susceptible to disease, stress and predators, as well as starvation and exposure.

There are several groups in California that are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned seals and other aquatic life, such as the Marine Mammal Center. Most rescue workers are volunteers who have been specially trained, and work diligently to save abandoned marine mammals from beaches to rocky shores. Thanks to their efforts, thousands of marine mammals are saved from death and disease each year. Their swift and tireless work deserves to be recognized.

There are many ways you can personally get involved to help organizations like the MMC in their efforts, whether it be monetary donations or through volunteer work. But the easiest way to make a difference is to keep your eyes open and get involved if you find an abandoned seal or other aquatic mammal. Assess the situation and contact the proper authorities immediately. However, for your safety and the safety of the animal, do not attempt to move or transport it.

You never know when you may be in the right place at the right time to save a life.

Be kind to each other,

Julian Omidi

Julian Omidi, along with his brother, Dr. Michael Omidi, and mother, Cindy Omidi, are co-founders of Animal Support, as well as a number of other non-profit organizations dedicated to the health and safety of animals and people worldwide.