In recognition of service to the sea lions

Suzie Harrison

It was a warm day all over town, but the sun shone a little brighter

on the Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center on Oct. 10 when

it received the Disneyland Resort Community Service Award.

With staff members and board of directors gathered Daina Baker,

2003 Ambassador of Disneyland Resort, along with the help of Disney

characters Jasmine and Aladdin, presented them a plaque in

recognition of their achievement.

“Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center has set an example

of excellence that helps propel the organization to a whole new

world,” Baker said. “Congratulations, Friends of the Sea Lion, who

are dedicated to raising the quality of life and spreading the spirit

of community.”

Along with the award, they received a check for $7,000.

“Being presented with a Disneyland Resort Community Service award

is always a special occasion,” said Michele Hunter, director of

operations and animal care. “This year, it was made even more special

by their visit to our facility.”

She said that the group was proud to have the Disneyland Resort

ambassadors see the programs firsthand.

“It is an honor for our organization to be recognized by

Disneyland Resort, not only for our excellence in marine mammal

rehabilitation, but the quality of education offered to increase

public awareness of the marine environment,” education director Beate

Litz said.

John Cunningham, who was one of the marine mammal center’s

founders 32 years ago, was on hand for the celebration.

“I’m just thrilled with it, happy to be here and see it happen,”

Cunningham said. “They certainly deserve it; it’s really super. I am

really proud.”

“Early in October, they told us we won the award,” Litz said.

“This is the third year in a row to win this, and we have won it off

and on in the past. Last year, we won the Community Leadership

Award.”

Development director Emily Rose Wing said that they are always

grateful to Disney, which has been a consistent support.

“We’re really proud to get a community service award again,” Wing

said. “We appreciate what they do for the entire Orange County

community as well.”

Friends of the Sea Lion is at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road and is open

every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (949)

494-3050 or go to https://www.fslmmc.org.