Whizzing drills and pounding hammers have mostly replaced yelping sea lions these days at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
Staff and volunteers who help rehabilitate sick and injured pinnipeds were caring for only three sea lions the first week of the new year, a far cry from the hundreds in the first half of 2013.
The Laguna Canyon Road center is embarking on an expansion that will add a new intensive care unit, public restroom, multipurpose room and an observation deck. Crews have been putting down roofing shingles, painting outdoor trim and preparing to install drywall.
The center is also adding a formal gift shop to replace the current kiosk.
Selling merchandise is a primary source of revenue for the center, a nonprofit that relies otherwise on donations, said Melissa Sciacca, director of development.
Work should be done by next month — in time for the round of visiting sea lions expected in spring.