The Marine Mammal Center weaning. At the center, they receive specialized veterinary care; diagnosed, treated, rehabilitated, and ideally, released back into the wild. Animals in need of assistance are usually identified by a member of the public who has contacted the center. These animals represent the following major species: California sea lion, northern elephant seal, Pacific harbor seal, northern fur seal, and the southern sea otter. On a few occasions, the Marine Mammal Center has taken in Guadeloupe fur seals, Steller sea lions, and bottlenose/Pacific white-sided dolphins. The only non-mammals that the center takes in are sea turtles. The research team consists of veterinarians
Mammal years ago. This tiny primate weighed 20–30 grams (0.7–1.1 ounce) and could fit within a human palm. Living mammal species can be identified by the presence of [[sweat gland]]s, including [[Mammary gland|those that are specialized to produce milk]] to nourish their young. In classifying fossils, however, other features must be used, since soft tissue glands and many other features are not visible in fossils. Many traits shared by all living mammals appeared among the earliest members of the group: For the most part, these characteristics were not present in the Triassic ancestors of the mammals. Nearly all mammaliaforms possess an