Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC), a Florida Keys rehabilitation center, is looking for volunteers to help save five pilot whales that have been stuck off the lower Florida Keys since late last week.
Two of the whales that were in better health, were released this past weekend and are being continually monitored via satellite tags. Two whales remain in serious condition, and two are being watched.
The MMC is requesting help for supplies and assistance. For more information on how to help visit their website or call them at (305) 451-4774.
(From the MMC website)
Volunteers will not be allowed to visit any other locations containing marine mammals to prevent disease transmission. Volunteer shifts run for 4 hours. Please arrive 15 minutes early for orientation:
- 12:00 A.M. – 4:00 A.M.
- 4:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.
- 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
- 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
- 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
- 8:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M.
What to bring:
- Bathing suit
- Wetsuit
- Booties
- Towel
- Dry clothes
- Waterproof non-oil based sunscreen
- Food and drinking water
Donations needed:
- Cash!
- Ink cartridges: HP 60 for HP Photosmart C4640 – black and tri-color)
- Ziploc bags - Quart and gallon sixe
- Waterproof watches and/or stopwatches
- One gallon pitchers (not jugs)
- Large plastic bins
- Plastic storage unit with 2 inch drawers
- Plastic hanging file bins
- Plastic chairs
- Folding chairs
- Bottled water
- Gallon jugs of purified water
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen (waterproof and non-oil based)
- Green and red chem lights (glow sticks)
- Batteries of all sizes
- Cooked food for volunteers
- Bleach
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Scotch Brite green scrub pads
- Duct tape
- At least 14" long zip ties
- Pens/pencils
- Scissors
- 3-hole puncher
- Masking tape
- Plastic clipboards
Image: Andy Newman / Courtesy of MMC