Germany. Between the Baltic Sea and the Bodden lies the Darß – a peninsula that seems tailor-made for nature observation. When the leaves change color in autumn and fog rolls over the meadows, a spectacle begins that fascinates visitors every year: the deer rut. The bellowing of the red deer echoes through the dune forests and across the wide clearings as the mighty animals compete for the does.

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An Autumn Morning on the Darß

It is still cool when I arrive at the beach shortly after six in the morning. The sun is already announcing its arrival over the sea with bright orange colors, and seagulls and crows are searching for their breakfast among the washed-up seaweed. I hurry past them. For me, coffee from my thermos and a roll from yesterday will have to wait until I reach the former emergency harbor of Darßer Ort. The harbor facilities here have since been dismantled, and the long wooden pier is said to be one of the best places on the Darß to photograph deer.

Arriving at the observation platform, I join the other early risers with my camera tripod. The coffee will have to wait. First, I scan the area. Are there any deer to be seen yet? All I can hear is the roar of the sea, blown directly into my ears by the strong east wind. After a few minutes, I see antlers peeking out of the grass through my camera's viewfinder, then the head, shoulders, and torso of a stately deer. It bellows, but I still only hear the wind and the surf of the sea. What a beautiful start to the day. I pour coffee into my mug and unwrap my sandwich.

Moments like these make the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula unique in September. Here, where the forest, Bodden lagoon, and Baltic Sea meet, the deer rut is a beautiful natural phenomenon that can be experienced firsthand. The Darß forest and the dunes at Darßer Ort are one of the few landscapes in Germany where you can experience the animals in the wild so close up – not hidden in dark forests, but right on the coast.

The former Darßer Ort Emergency Harbor

In 1962, a military harbor was built in the beach lake located here. Four years after the national park was founded, the military harbor became the Darßer Ort Emergency Harbor in 1994 and served as a shelter for recreational boats and smaller ships. However, the offshore coastline continued to grow, and the dredging of the shipping channel led to conflicts with the protected area. Eventually, the port facilities were dismantled and left to nature in 2024. Only the access road to the beach lake remains, now leading to a slightly elevated wooden walkway with an excellent view of the deer on the opposite shore.

The Landscape – Forests, Dunes, Water

Formation of the Peninsula

The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula is a young piece of land, formed after the end of the Weichselian glaciation approximately 12,000 years ago by sediment deposits, currents, and storm surges. Where individual islands once lay, wind and water pushed sand together to form headlands. In the 14th century, rivalries with Rostock and Stralsund led to the closure of inlets between the islands, turning Fischland and Darß into a peninsula. During the Baltic Sea storm surge in 1872, the Prerow stream silted up and the island of Zingst also became part of the peninsula in 1874 when the stream was finally filled in. Today, the Darß juts out into the Baltic Sea like a hook, forming a 45-kilometer-long wall between the Baltic Sea and the Bodden waters. At its westernmost end lies Darßer Ort, a headland that continues to be shaped by the sea year after year.

Visitors to the Darß peninsula experience a diversity that is rare in Germany. Coastal forests, windswept dunes, wide beaches, and quiet lagoon shores alternate within a small area. The Darß forest itself covers around 5,800 hectares. At first glance, its mixture of old pine, beech, and English oak trees looks like an ordinary coastal forest. But geological processes have shaped it: shifting dunes cover the forest floor, and ancient storm surges have left behind hollows and depressions where moors have formed.

On the Darßer Ort circular Hiking Trail

After a while, the crowds at the observation platform at the emergency harbor thin out. The deer have also moved on. I pack up and continue on to the entrance of the Darßer Ort circular hiking trail. The six-kilometer trail leads over boardwalks, beaches, and forest paths, through a mosaic of forest, reeds, dunes, the Baltic Sea, and beach lakes. Three more viewing platforms invite visitors to observe deer and birds. I move away from the sea, the surf becomes quieter, and the east wind blows a deep, throaty sound into my ears. The deer are bellowing.

Darßer Ort Lighthouse with the Natureum

Der Rundwanderweg bringt mich bis zum Darßer Ort mit dem 1848 erbauten Leuchtturm und dem Natureum The circular hiking trail takes me to Darßer Ort with its lighthouse, built in 1848, and the

Wind-swept Trees on the West Beach

On the second day, right after watching the deer, I hop on my bike and head to West Beach. The middle path takes me to the bike parking lot behind the dunes. There are only two bikes here, and it's so early in the morning that there's no one else on the beach. I look at the so-called wind-swept trees on the dunes, tall pines whose crowns have been bent to one side toward the land by the constant coastal wind. After a second breakfast on the beach, I take the time to get a little creative with the prism I brought with me.

History in the Shade of the Trees and the Sea Breeze

As early as the Middle Ages, fishermen and farmers used the Darß Forest, driving cattle into it and fetching wood for boats and houses. Numerous beech trees, some of them widely spaced and bizarrely grown, remain from this period when the forest was used as pasture. The Darß Forest was particularly exploited by Danish and French occupiers in the early 18th and 19th centuries. The Danes removed all the old yew trees from the forest to use for interior paneling in Rosenborg and Amalienborg palaces. The heathland left behind after the clearing was reforested by Prussian foresters with fast-growing coniferous species.

In the GDR, Darß became a vacation destination for privileged workers and party officials. The town of Prerow was known as the “Mallorca of the East.” During the high season, the beach campground alone hosted up to 10,000 guests. Today, the campground is operated by Ahoi Camp and is set to be expanded. The opportunity to camp right here in the dunes is something very special and is based on special rights of use and agreements that have been made over time with the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the MV Foundation for the Environment and Nature Conservation. Guests are encouraged to always use the existing paths when going to the beach or through the camp and not to walk cross-country through the dunes.

TRAVEL TIP:
If you're still looking for accommodation that really brings you closer to nature, you'll find it at AlohaCamp.
Whether you're exploring the Darß peninsula or the Baltic Sea coast, spending a few days in the Alps, or planning your next stay by a quiet lake, AlohaCamp has special places all over Germany where you can experience nature at its most beautiful.

Vorpommern Bodden Landscape National Park

Since 1990, the region has been part of the Vorpommern Bodden Landscape National Park, which, at 786 km², is the largest national park on the German Baltic Sea coast. At its heart are the Darß Forest and the west coast, where no dykes slow down the dynamics of nature. Here, dunes are allowed to wander, forests plunge into the sea, and beaches disappear. “Let nature be nature” is the motto – and this is exactly what the deer benefit from. The forest offers them cover, the wide Bodden meadows provide food, and the dunes offer peace and quiet.

An important goal of the national park is to protect large mammals such as red deer, which live undisturbed in the extensive forest and dune areas. But the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park protects more than just red deer. Over 1,300 plant species and more than 160 breeding bird species have been documented here. In addition to deer, wild boars, foxes, badgers, and, more recently, wolves also live in the region. White-tailed eagles regularly circle above the Bodden, and sanderlings and oystercatchers rest on the beaches. The annual crane migration is particularly impressive: up to 70,000 birds rest between Zingst and Darß in the fall.

The best way to get around is on foot or by bike. However, bikes must be parked at one of the bike parking areas before the circular trail, as they are not allowed here. Horse-drawn carriages run from Prerow to the lighthouse at Darßer Ort, and the Darß Bahn takes hikers to just before the start of the Darßer Ort circular trail near the former emergency harbor.

Invasion of the Jays

It's autumn, the birds are gathering and migrating to their wintering grounds. So I'm not surprised when I see one or two larger flocks. But a photo to identify the species leaves me amazed: jays in large flocks. They fly over me again and again, and I stand there with my mouth open. I have truly never seen anything like this before. On the Nabu website, I quickly learn that this invasion of jays is often associated with high breeding success in their native areas of Scandinavia and subsequent food shortages. These migratory movements can lead far into Central Europe. Most jays migrate back to their breeding grounds the following year.

The Deer – Kings of the Darß Forest

Why do so many deer live here? The answer lies in a combination of protective measures, landscape, and history. As early as the 19th century, the Darß was a popular hunting ground. Grand dukes and later Nazi officials organized driven hunts in the forest. In the GDR, parts of the Darß were declared a state hunting ground, where high-ranking politicians went trophy hunting. After 1990, the situation changed: with the establishment of the national park, traditional hunting was largely abandoned. The red deer were able to reproduce more freely without being thinned out by hunting. Today, several hundred animals live in the national park, and the population is considered stable.

The rutting season in September and October is particularly impressive. During the rut, the deer migrate to the coast and the dunes—an unusual spectacle, as we usually associate the calls of deer with deep forests or remote woodlands. The males butt their antlers against each other, scrape their hooves, and exude their typical scent to impress the females. The bellowing is not only a way of marking their territory, but also a signal to rivals: whoever bellows louder, longer, and deeper demonstrates strength.

There are various ways to experience the deer rut on the Darß.

1. On your own. The best places to do this are the designated observation platforms at the former emergency harbor and along the Darßer Ort circular hiking trail.
2. Among the guided tours, the so-called “deer concerts” are the best known, offered by the National Park Authority and local nature guides.
3. Photo excursions and workshops are also popular with photographers, for example, at the Zingst Photo School..

Myths and Legends

When I want to get to know a new region, I always enjoy researching local myths and legends. I found two for Darß that beautifully reflect the deep connection between the coastal inhabitants and their landscape.

Eine der bekanntesten Erzählungen spricht von den „Hirschgeistern“, die in stürmischen Nächten am Strand erscheinen sollen. Fischer berichteten, sie hätten große, schattenhafte Gestalten gesehen – Hirsche mit leuchtenden Augen und dampfendem Atem, die aus der Brandung aufgetaucht seien. Diese Geister seien keine Bedrohung, sondern Wächter des Waldes, die den Menschen eine Warnung überbrachten: Wer sich in solchen Nächten leichtsinnig aufs Meer wagte, den erwartete Unheil. Manche alten Seefahrer schworen, sie hätten ihr Leben nur dem Erscheinen eines solchen Geist-Hirsches zu verdanken, denn  er habe sie durch ein unerklärliches Gefühl zurück an Land gedrängt.

Other legends surround the sunken villages along the coast. During heavy storms, the ringing of bells can be heard from the waves—bells that once belonged to churches that have long since been swallowed by the sea. One often-told example is the village of Vineta, which, according to folklore, sank not far from here. Its inhabitants are said to have incurred the wrath of the sea through greed and arrogance. Today, some locals believe that the roar of the waves against the groynes sometimes actually sounds like the muffled ringing of bells.

Ending the Evening with Deer

It's my last evening on the Darß peninsula. I find it difficult to choose between my two favorite observation platforms. In the end, I decide on the jetty at the former emergency harbor. This is where my deer observations began with my morning coffee. I wrap myself up and pull my scarf a little tighter around my neck. Standing still in the wind is tough, and the deer are taking their time today. But my patience is rewarded in the end, and the soft evening light shows the stag and his ladies from a particularly beautiful side.

Book Recommendations for Nature Lovers

Want to learn more about nature? Then I have three book recommendations for you. You can order the books* from Amazon by clicking on the images. If you purchase a book or other item via an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission and you will help me to continue filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. This does not make the product any more expensive for you.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you want to go birdwatching right away? Then check out my article about Birdwatching in the Pond Landscape Linum and about Neuwerk Island - Birdwatching in the Hamburg Wadden Sea .

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Norway. Anyone traveling in the far north of Norway will quickly encounter the terms “Arctic” and “wild.” But some places fill these words with a very special meaning. One of these places is Hornøya—a small, uninhabited island east of Vardø, Norway's easternmost town, just a few kilometers from the Russian mainland. In spring, the barren rock awakens from its winter slumber when hundreds of thousands of seabirds return from their winter quarters to breed on the steep cliffs. I haven't seen many places like it and can highly recommend a visit. Here you can read about what to expect on the bird island of Hornøya, one of the best places for bird photography in Norway, and get lots of practical tips.

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Hornøya/Reinøya – Bird Cliffs in the Barents Sea

Even as you approach by boat, you can hear the screeching of the bird colonies. Kittiwakes circle above the waves, while puffins with orange feet and colorful beaks land on the rocky outcrops. It is one of Norway's densest seabird colonies and a natural spectacle that leaves you speechless with amazement. As soon as I leave the boat, I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds on the rocks and in the air above me. It takes me a while to compose myself and take my first steps on the visitor trail.

Even as you approach by boat, you can hear the screeching of the bird colonies. Kittiwakes circle above the waves, while puffins with orange feet and colorful beaks land on the rocky outcrops. It is one of Norway's densest seabird colonies and a natural spectacle that leaves you speechless with amazement. As soon as I leave the boat, I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds on the rocks and in the air above me. It takes me a while to compose myself and take my first steps on the visitor trail.

History of the Islands Hornøya/Reinøya

Hornøya and Reinøya look back on a long history of use. As early as the Middle Ages, the islands served as an important source of food for the inhabitants of Vardø: eggs and seabirds were collected from the steep cliffs, and their feathers and down were used as commodities. This form of use continued for centuries and was of great importance for supplying the population in the barren Arctic. At the same time, the islands served as landmarks for fishing and shipping in the Barents Sea and, as Norway's easternmost points, also marked a strategically important position near the Russian border. With the decline of traditional use and growing awareness of the value of undisturbed breeding colonies, attitudes toward the islands began to change in the 20th century. In 1983, Hornøya and Reinøya were finally declared a nature reserve in order to permanently secure the significant seabird populations and protect the sensitive ecosystem from disturbance.

Geology and Climate

The islands of Hornøya and Reinøya consist mainly of sedimentary rocks, primarily slate and sandstone, which were deposited during the Devonian period around 400 million years ago. Weathering and erosion have created striking cliffs that rise 20 to 30 meters high on the western sides and provide ideal breeding grounds for seabirds. The rock layers are part of the geological structures of the Varanger Peninsula area and document the geological development of Finnmark. The climate of the islands is strongly influenced by their location in the Barents Sea: it is a subarctic maritime climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Despite the high latitude, the influence of the North Atlantic Current prevents the sea from freezing permanently. The islands are often exposed to strong winds, fog, and rapid weather changes, which limit the vegetation to a few salt- and cold-resistant species such as mosses, lichens, and low herbs. The climatic conditions and barren soils explain why the islands are almost treeless and the habitats are largely characterized by rocks and sparse tundra vegetation.

The Bird Eldorado on Hornøya/Reinøya

The islands of Hornøya and Reinøya are home to one of Norway's largest and most species-rich seabird colonies. Every spring and summer, more than 50,000 breeding pairs return to use the steep cliffs, rocky ledges, and burrows as nesting sites. Particularly numerous are kittiwakes, with over 25,000 pairs, guillemots, with around 15,000 pairs, and around 11,000 to 16,000 puffins, which dig their breeding burrows in the grass and soil layers of the island. In addition, black guillemots, razorbills, thick-billed murres, and fulmars are also permanent members of the colony. Cormorants, cormorants, and various species of gulls, such as herring gulls and great black-backed gulls, occupy the rocks and coastal areas. The enormous diversity and density of birds make Hornøya and Reinøya one of the most important breeding grounds in the Barents Sea and an internationally significant bird sanctuary.

The longer I observe the colony, the more fascinating the birds' survival strategies seem to me. The guillemots lay their eggs directly on bare rock, pear-shaped so that they don't roll away. Puffins use their powerful beaks to dig breeding burrows in the ground – perfect nurseries protected from wind and cold. Every little behavior here has a purpose. Nothing is random; everything serves the cause of survival in this harsh world. Life here is a race against time: within a few months, the birds must raise their young before the autumn storms sweep across the Barents Sea.

The Puffins on Hornøya 

Clown among Seabirds

Puffins (Fratercula arctica) are among the best-known and most charismatic seabirds of the north. With their brightly colored beaks, expressive eyes, and waddling gait, they resemble small, winged clowns.

Puffins spend most of their lives on the open sea and only return to the coast during the breeding season. Their plumage is water-repellent, and their bodies are streamlined – perfect for diving. In fact, puffins can dive up to 60 meters deep to hunt fish. Their wings, which appear rather clumsy in the air, serve as powerful oars underwater. The shape of their beaks is also functional: thanks to special barbs, they can carry several fish at once. This is a clear advantage when raising their young, as small sand eels are their preferred prey.

The puffin population on Hornøya is estimated at around 5,000 to 7,000 breeding pairs. However, there have been fluctuations in the number of breeding birds in recent decades, as various environmental factors influence the population. While the island remains an important breeding ground, puffins are under severe pressure in other parts of Europe, and some colonies have already shrunk considerably.

The changing Seasons and Photographic Highlights

The puffins return to Hornøya in spring, usually in March or April, to occupy their breeding grounds. March is a particularly exciting time for photographers, when the first males arrive on the island, which is still covered in snow. They know exactly where their breeding burrows are hidden under the snow and defend them vehemently against competitors. The females follow the males ashore and search for their mates, who are already waiting faithfully for them. Puffins are monogamous and stay together for life.

In summer, when the chicks have hatched, there is a lot of activity on the island. The parents tirelessly bring fish, and impressive aerial photographs can be taken. The moment when a puffin lands with a beak full of small sand eels is a popular motif among photographers.

In late summer, the puffins leave the island. The young birds leave their nests and embark on their first big journey to the open sea. The adult birds then gradually lose their bright colors, marking the end of the annual cycle.

Threats and Protective Measures

Despite their large population numbers, puffins face numerous challenges. One of the greatest threats is the decline in their food sources. Climate change is altering ocean currents and affecting the populations of small fish such as sand eels, which are essential for puffins. In some areas, food shortages and low chick survival rates are a serious problem.

Other human influences are also affecting populations. Overfishing, pollution, and disturbances from tourism can have a negative impact on breeding colonies. In some regions, puffins are also victims of bycatch in fishing nets, which further reduces their populations.

Various protective measures have been put in place to counteract these threats. In many breeding areas, including Hornøya, protected areas have been established where access is strictly regulated. In addition, nature conservation organizations are working to reduce bycatch and promote sustainable fishing practices. Monitoring programs also help to observe populations over the long term and adjust necessary protective measures.

A Place you want to see again

As our boat sets sail back to Vardø in the late afternoon, the bird colony is just as noisy as it was in the morning. I look back at the dark cliffs, the small white lighthouse, and the clouds gathering over the Barents Sea. I already know that I will definitely come back here soon. Preferably, when there is still snow on the island and the first puffins are fighting for the best nesting caves.

Book Recommendations for Birdwatchers

You can order the books via the links on Amazon. If you purchase a product via an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission, and you will help me to continue filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Photo Tips for Hornøya

Light & Season

• In spring (March/April), the light is often clear and high-contrast—perfect for photographing puffins in the snow.
• In summer, the days are long and almost endlessly bright. If you stay overnight in the lighthouse on the island, you can take advantage of the soft light in the morning and evening.

Equipment

• Telephoto lens for detailed shots of individual birds.
• Wide-angle lens to capture the vast colonies and cliffs.
• Weather protection for your camera equipment and yourself. The paths were extremely muddy, so rubber boots are a good idea.

Behavior & Respect

• The island may only be accessed along the marked/fenced paths. Never stray from the paths – any disturbance can endanger a nest.
• Patience is key: the birds often come very close on their own.

Practical Travel Information

Getting there

• Flight: The nearest city is Vardø, accessible via the small airport Vardø Svartnes (via Tromsø or Kirkenes).
• Ship: Alternatively, the Hurtigruten postal ship line calls at Vardø daily.
• Car: Traveling by car is worthwhile, as there is a National Scenic Route along the shore of the Varanger Fjord with many interesting stops along the way. Read more about this in my article Varanger Fjord: witches, street art, wildlife on the National Scenic Route.
• To the island: During the season (usually March to August), a small boat runs several times a day from Vardø to Hornøya. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. Tickets are available at the tourist information office at the harbor. More information is available here.

Accommodation

• There are several small hotels and guesthouses in Vardø.
• On Hornøya, it is possible to stay overnight in the lighthouse .

Travel Season

• March to August: This is when the bird paradise comes alive. The puffins return in March, and the colonies are at their densest in July.

Other Activities in the Region

• Vardø: Norway's easternmost town offers exciting history – here you will find, for example, the memorial to the victims of the witch trials (Steilneset Memorial), various museums, and Vardøhus Fortress, a star-shaped fortification from the 18th century. In the evening, it is worth visiting Nordpol Kro, where Nansen used to drink his beer.
• A particularly scenic drive to the old fishing village of Hamningberg with good chances of seeing reindeer.
• Bird watching: The neighboring islands and along the coast of Varanger also offer excellent bird watching opportunities with chances to see rare Arctic bird species. There are numerous observation huts.
• Northern Lights: From September to March, there are chances to see the Northern Lights.

Book recommendations for Norway

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love the north as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about my Husky Guide Training – Two Months with Hetta Huskies in Finland or about Trekking on the Laugavegur in Iceland.

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Table of Contents and Quick Navigation

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Welcome in the Visitor Area
When does a Seal need Help?
Patient Care
Back to the Sea - the Release of the Animals
Public Relations and Education
More Marine Wildlife Rescue Centers in California

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is responsible for all marine mammals along the Orange County coastline. The reception station has a capacity for up to 100 animals. Every year, the Mammal Center takes care of 250 to 300 marine mammals. These include seals, sea lions, elephant seals and sea bears. The center is primarily run by volunteers.

Welcome in the Visitor Area

As soon as I enter the visitor area of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, I am welcomed by one of the volunteers working here. After a short introduction he leads me through the station. First I get to know the seals, then I go up to the training room and then again to the open visitor area. I got a lot of information about the seal species that are recorded here, what happened to the current patients and about the work in the Marine Mammal Center. In addition, numerous information boards provide information about the animals and life in the sea.

During my visit there were three seals and twelve sea lions in the station. The majority of the patients were puppies under one year of age. They were stranded on the beaches of Orange County in the spring and suffered from dehydration and malnutrition. Six of the patients were to be released into freedom on Laguna Beach next weekend.

Visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center:
Address: 20612 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I could see most of the patients from the visitors area. However, it can also happen that not all patients are visible from the visitor area. If animals are in a critical condition, they are first cared for in the intensive care unit.

A visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center is free of charge, but donations are welcome. The center also has a small shop where you can support the center by shopping.

When does a Seal need Help?

A sick or wounded seal will try to get to the beach. But seals also come to the beach to rest, warm up, mate, give birth or change coat. So not all seals lying on the beach need help. Here a trained look and if necessary longer observation is necessary, in order to recognize the needy animals.

There are various reasons why a seal or sea lion may need help:

• Human-induced injuries
• Malnutrition / dehydration. An animal that unfortunately could not be rescued had its stomach full of plastic and died of starvation.
• Injury by fishing tackle or entanglement in fishing lines / hooks
• Caught in fishing nets
• Caught in plastic waste
• Infection with parasites
• pneumonia
• poisonings
• bites of sharks
• Lost helpless young animal (e.g. seek a storm at sea separated from mother)
• young animal, which is not yet able to cope alone after cutting the cord from its mother

Example Sea Elephant:
Sea elephants spend almost their entire life in the sea. They only come ashore to mate and give birth to their young. The young are suckled for four months. The mother then leaves the young. The young must now manage on their own and learn to hunt the food. But some kittens learn this too slowly. If they are lucky, the half-starved animals are found on the beach and then taken to the rescue station. Here the keepers teach them how to hunt for fish, so that they can cope alone in nature afterwards.

Patient Care

The animal is then thoroughly examined in the reception station and wounds are treated. Most patients suffer from malnutrition and/or dehydration. They are first fed with a mixture of electrolytes, proteins, glucose and vitamins via a stomach tube. As soon as the animals are in a more stable state again, they are fed fish three times a day. If necessary, medicines are mixed into the fish.

The seals are marked by a special shave in the fur, so that each can get its individual treatment and if necessary medicine.

On average, the animals spend four months in the sanctuary before being released back into the sea. But sometimes there are also animals that would not survive in the wild. For example, if the animal only has severely impaired vision or has suffered too severe damage. Then, after extensive recovery, it is transferred to a zoo or aquarium.

The caretakers of the animals try to avoid direct contact between seals and humans as far as possible. For example, when feeding, the person holds a black board in front of him. This prevents the animal from associating the food with humans. However, if an animal later comes to the zoo, contact with humans is encouraged through feeding and play.

Back to the Sea - the Release of the Animals

As soon as the wounds have healed, the animal has a healthy weight and successfully competes for food, it can return to freedom. Before release, each animal is given an orange tag with an identification number: the females on the right pectoral fin and the males on the left. The number helps, for example, to identify the animal if it needs help in the future.

The release of the recovered animals is always a solemn event. On the website of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center you can watch several “Release-Videos” . Sometimes the sea lions run towards the water. Another time they don't really know what to do. In a video, three released sea lions push together into a transport box and have to be shaken out again by the keeper. But no matter how the animals reacted, the shots were always very moving. The dates for the release of the animals are announced however only to the promoters and/or members.

Excursus: Under Water
Not only whales and dolphins dive deep. Also seals can reach amazing depths and dive times.

Sea lion (California Sea Lion) - 100 m - 20 minutes
Northern Elephant Seal - 1600 m - 120 minutes
Seal (Pacific Harbor Seal) - 460 m - 40 minutes
Sea Bear (Fur Seal) - 200 m - 90 minutes

More photos of sea lions can be found in my article about the "Sea Lions of La Jolla - Tips for Observing and Snorkeling".

Public Relations and Education

Man only protects what he knows. That's why I think it's especially good that the Pacific Marine Mammal Center also receives and informs visitors. Especially moving are the stories of the individual patients, which are told here by means of pictures. With other free educational programs for children and young people, it makes an important contribution to the development of environmental awareness. The proximity to the animals opens the hearts and creates a connection to nature.

When I was in the States (California) for the first time in autumn 2019, I was shocked by the amount of plastic waste that is produced here every day with a frightening matter of course. Disposable items are used everywhere, even in some restaurants at the tables. Unfortunately, not all of these disposable items and packaging end up in the trash can. In the center I learned that the beach of Laguna Beach has to be cleaned of garbage every day. On days when seals are released, volunteers clean the garbage from the beach. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center therefore explains the problem of plastic waste to its visitors on information boards. Pictures of seals or other animals that have got caught in the plastic open their eyes and hopefully encourage a change in thinking. In interactive games, children also learn how the rain can wash the discarded plastic articles into the sea.

More Marine Wildlife Rescue Centers in California

Pacific Marine Center is not the only marine mammal rescue center in California. There are several stations along the coastline.

• Humboldt and Del Norte Counties – North Coast Marine Mammal Center
• Los Angeles County – Fort MacArthur Marine Mammal Care Center
• San Luis Obispo and Mendocino Counties – Marine Mammal Center
• San Diego County – SeaWorld
• Statewide Whale Rescue Team
• Ventura County – Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute

The Marine Mammal Center in San Luis Obispo and Mendocino Counties also welcomes visitors. There is also a visitor center near San Simeon dedicated to elephant seals. Every year the animals come here to the beach and can be observed well. Young animals can be seen especially well from September to December.

I would never visit SeaWorld because of its highly controversial attitude towards orcas and its shows with the animals. However, I also highly appreciate that SeaWorld is part of the marine mammal rescue network on the California coast. Rescue teams are available around the clock for orphaned, sick, injured or dependent animals. The animals are rehabilitated for return to the wild. However, animals whose injuries are too severe and who can no longer be released into the wild are cared for here for life.

Have you ever been to a sea lion rescue center yourself? How did you like it? Do you have any questions about my article or suggestions? If so, please write me a comment!

Recommendations for further Reading

Sea Lions of La Jolla - Tips for Watching and Snorkeling

Santa Catalina Island - Travelogue, Tips and Highlights

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Der Beitrag Besuch des Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

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Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, located in the south of the Yosemite National Park, is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite. There are over 500 full-grown sequoia trees.

The grove was discovered in 1857 by Galen Clark and Milton Mann and was given the name "Mariposa Grove". In 1864, President Lincoln signed laws to protect Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for public use and recreation. This groundbreaking law has an important place in the history of the USA and was also the root of the national park idea. It was the first time in history that areas were protected for future generations. Mariposa Grove was finally added to the existing Yosemite National Park in 1906 and is a popular destination within the National Park.

In 2016, as part of a major restoration project, the existing asphalt roads were rebuilt into dirt roads and trails and the grove regained a more natural appearance.

Interesting Facts about the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove

The Giant Sequoias are an evergreen tree species. They can reach a height of up to 95 metres and a trunk diameter of up to 17 metres. Their natural range lies on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada at an altitude between 1,350 and 2,500 metres. There the giant sequoia trees grow in groves, the so-called "Groves".

The Giant Sequoias can live for several thousand years and are therefore among the oldest living organisms on earth.

Their thick, fibrous bark protects the trees from fires, which are common in the dry forests of the Sierra Nevada. Many old trees therefore show traces of fires. However, if the tree is not too badly damaged, these scars can heal again. Another special feature of giant sequoia trees is that the cones only open after a forest fire. Now that many competing trees and plants have been burnt, the seeds can germinate undisturbed in the nutrient-rich ash layer.

However, the giant sequoia trees cannot only survive fire and lightning strikes. They even have their own natural defenses against insects and fungi.

In California's early history, many giant trees were felled, tunnels were built through tree trunks, and roots were damaged in the construction of roads. Nowadays, only two-thirds of the original population has survived and the giant sequoia is threatened with extinction in its natural range. For this reason, most of the Groves are protected. The Giant Sequoias are also affected by air pollution and climate change.

Photo-Tips

It is difficult to photograph the size and grace of the giant sequoia trees. Often the sequoia trees are surrounded by smaller trees and it is rare to have a good view of an entire tree. One possibility is to stand close to the trunk of the tree and then photograph up into the treetop with a wide-angle lens.

It is best to photograph the giant sequoia trees on cloudy days or when they are in the shade. Then the difference in contrast is not quite as high. Especially beautiful photos with a mystical charisma can succeed in fog. But also the light in the late afternoon can set the trees well in scene.

Hiking trails to the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove

A hike through the Mariposa Grove is a very special experience. The huge sequoia trees make you look up in awe again and again. Information boards also provide information about special trees and the ecology of the forest.

You can get to know Mariposa Grove on various hiking trails. You can choose between a short walk or a half-day hike. We have chosen the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, because here you can see most of the Giant Sequoias on a manageable route.

Early in the morning, the Big Trees Loop Trail (0.4 km) is an easy trail and takes about half an hour. Highlights are the Fallen Monarch and several information boards about the giant sequoia trees and forest ecology.

The Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (3.2 km; 91 hm) takes about an hour. Here you can see the following outstanding trees: Fallen Monarch, Bachelor, Three Graces, Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.

The longest trail is the Mariposa Grove Trail (11.3 km; 366 hm). It is a circular trail to the Wawona Point vantage point. During your walk you can see the Grizzly Giant Loop trees, the Falthful Couple and the Clothespine Tree.

Early in the morning, the Guardians Loop Trail (10.5 km) branches off from the Mariposa Groove Trail. Here you can see the overturned Wawona Tunnel Tree, the Telescope Tree and the Mariposa Grove Cabin.

On the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail through the Mariposa Grove

On the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail you can see some of the most important giant sequoia trees of Mariposa Grove. Below you'll learn more about the trees and their history. "Fallen Monarch

"Fallen Monarch"

The "Fallen Monarch" is the first highlight on the circuit. It overturned about 300 years ago. Giant sequoia trees are resistant to rot due to the high proportion of tannins in their bark, which is why the Fallen Monarch is so well preserved. It will therefore take several centuries before the wood is completely decomposed.

"Bachelor & Three Graces"

"Bachelor & Three Graces is a group of four sequoias. Three of them grow very much after each other. A fourth tree, on the other hand, grows a little further away. The roots of the four trees are so closely interwoven by this proximity that a falling tree would probably bring down the other trees. 

“Grizzly Giant”

Der „Grizzly Giant“ ist mit 2.700 Jahren der älteste und zudem einer der bemerkenswertesten Bäume im Mariposa Grove. Er ist 63,7 Meter hoch und wird als der 25. größte Baum der Welt gezählt. Sein Stammdurchmesser beträgt 8,5 Meter. Der erste Ast des Grizzly Giant von der Basis aus hat einen Durchmesser von etwa 2 m. An seinem Stamm haben mehrere Feuer schwarze Stellen hinterlassen.

An interesting list of the thickest, highest and oldest sequoia trees in the world can be found here.

“California Tunnel Tree”

In 1895 a large tunnel was cut into a sequoia tree. In the following the tree was called "California Tunnel Tree". In an attempt to heal itself, the bark of the tree grew inward over the wounds. The Tunnel Tree has survived and is today an impressive example of the early tourism advertising of the National Park. The tunneled tree was a major attraction at Mariposa Grove and attracted many visitors to Yosemite National Park.

Before that, a tunnel was cut into another tree of Mariposa Grove. This was wide enough for horse-drawn carriages and automobiles to pass through. The "Wawona Tunnel Tree" was weakened so much that it fell during a storm in 1969.

Directions to Mariposa Grove

Shortly after the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove Road branches off to the right from Wawona Road (Highway 41). This will take you to the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza visitor parking area with shop and toilets. From here a free shuttle bus will take you to the starting point of the hikes. Already during the bus ride you can see the first Giant Sequoias.

The shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in summer even until 8 p.m.. Outside these times you can also drive your own car to Mariposa Grove. From November to May the road is closed and there is no shuttle bus. The sequoia trees can only be reached with skis or snowshoes.

Book Recommendation for California

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books* about California.

You can order these books at Amazon with a click on the pictures. If you buy a product via one of these affiliate links, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Have you ever been to the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove yourself? How did you like it? Do you have any questions about my article or suggestions? If so, please write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Recommendations for further Reading

Climbing the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

Bodie - Visit of a Ghost Town from Gold Digging Time

Der Beitrag Giant Sequoias im Mariposa Grove – Yosemite Nationalpark erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.