This is a series of diaries highlighting animal rescues around the country and noting and celebrating the work they do to help animals who have no voices but ours to speak for them. I have decided to make this a daily series because there are so many wonderful rescues out there who need human help and weekly just doesn't seem to be enough. I have long wanted to start a rescue but lack the resources or time available to do so right now so this is my attempt to do my part. I hope that these rescues will benefit from the kindness and benevolence of the community here at Daily Kos. They are amazing organizations and worthy of Kossack attention and care.
I am here, alive and all around you
I have no voice
In your trees, your air, your fields, your oceans, your world
I have no voice
I am a mother, a father, a protector, a soul
I have no voice
I can walk, crawl, sing, fear
I have no voice
You must be my voice
The Marine Mammal Center
The website is here
You can donate here
Volunteer info is here
Our Mission
Our mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals—their health and that of their ocean environment—and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community.
What We Do:
Responding Responsibly
We rescue marine mammals for many different reasons, including malnourishment, separation, entanglements, and diseases, but nearly 10% of the animals we rescue have been impacted by human interaction and hazards like net and fishing line entanglements, gun shots, illegal pick-ups, and boat strikes – making their rescue all the more our responsibility.
Recognizing Interdependence
What we do is more than kind-hearted consideration for the well-being of other living creatures. We recognize the fundamental relationship that binds humans, animals, and the ocean. Covering more than 70% of our planet, the ocean is Earth's primary life-support system – and these animals are critical bellwethers of its health. By caring for them, we care for all of life.
Expanding Knowledge
We partner with leading scientists and other professionals in order to learn from the patients in our care - patients from healthy, endangered, and at-risk populations - and to expand and advance scientific knowledge, thus enhancing understanding of the health of our oceans and the implications for human health. We disseminate knowledge to members of the scientific community and the general public. Ultimately, we inspire action and foster stewardship towards the care of our environment.
Our Responsibility. Our Passion. Our Values.
We rescue and humanely treat ill, injured, or orphaned marine mammals, and return healthy ones to the wild. Since 1975, our hospital facility has rescued and treated over 18,000 elephant seals, sea lions, whales, sea otters, harbor seals, fur seals, dolphins, harbor porpoises and more – many from threatened and endangered species.
We educate and communicate to help build a sense of responsibility and connection to the marine environment and marine mammals, and inspire action to protect the oceans. Each year, our education programs and events reach over 30,000 children and adults.
We conduct scientific inquiry to increase knowledge of marine mammals, their health and their environment, and to help assure their long-term survival. Our science programs derive vital data from our sick and injured patients - what diseases they suffer, how their immune systems work, and how they're affected by changes in their environment.
Our People
Our work relies on hundreds of people just like you. More than 1,000 volunteers from throughout our 600 mile rescue range – from Mendocino County through San Luis Obispo County – are a vital part of what we do from rescue through rehabilitation, release and education.
Your Help Counts!
You are absolutely critical to our work. Federal law protects marine mammals, but we rely on your support so we can help them when that protection fails. We started in 1975 from the efforts of three local citizens, and ever since, it's been our members, volunteers, and supporters who make it possible for us to continue. Only with your help can we succeed – please join us in working together to make a better future for individual marine mammals and all of us.
Become a Member
When you join or renew your annual membership to The Marine Mammal Center, you become part of a community of amazing people who have a passion to save marine mammals and their ocean habitat.
Monthly Giving
From just $5 a month you can give marine mammals regular and reliable support. You can easily manage your online payments and help reduce mailing costs. It really is the best giving option for you, our patients and the planet!
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Basic Membership
$25 per year
Provides 25 lbs of fish for our hungry patients, and gives you core membership benefits for one cardholder and a guest.
Join Renew More
More on becoming a member here
Volunteers: The Heart and Soul of The Marine Mammal Center
Volunteers help us rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured marine mammals, educate the public about the conservation of marine mammals and their ocean environment and so much more!
Become a Volunteer!
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to attend an Introduction Meeting. View the schedule and RSVP online.
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Animal Care Volunteers
Join an animal care crew and provide patient care to sick and injured marine mammals.
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Stranding and Rescue Volunteers
Save a life! Rescue and transport injured or sick seals and sea lions.
More
Many more volunteer opportunities here
Awareness Campaigns
Dollar-a-Pound
Help feed a seal! Each year we need to raise up to $100,000 to feed our seal and sea lion patients. It costs just $1 for 1 lb of fish - join our Dollar-a-Pound challenge today!
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Dawn Saves Wildlife
The Marine Mammal Center is generously sponsored by Proctor & Gamble's Dawn dish soap! Learn more about the Dawn Saves Wildlife campaign!
More
More awareness campaigns here