Thousands of wild marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins get stranded on beaches and in shallows every year all over the world.  Although we do not always know the reason for this natural phenomenon, we do most definitely know that we have to try to save those animals that need our help. This is why my fellow intern Pauline and I went down to Key Largo on Wednesday, June 1^st 2011 to support the Marine Mammal Conservancy as volunteers with their efforts in saving stranded whales thus continuing the tradition of environmental activism among Dragonfly Expeditions’ staff members.

The Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC) is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting marine mammals and their habitats.  It is highly remarkable that all their accomplishments are based on voluntary work and donations, no matter if it is the active rescuing of marine mammals or the catering of all the staff people.  As of recent, the volunteers of the MMC have a great deal to do since a pod of pilot whales got stranded in the Florida Keys on May 5^th 2011.

Three remaining whales are still in a condition that requires 24 hours of attention every day with 4 hour shifts for the volunteers.  They have to keep the whales floating in the fenced shallow area off the beach on the MMC property in Key Largo.  Pauline and I took one of the 8pm to 12am shifts where we had to step into the water and hold one of the whales up in a certain position and constantly keep their skin wet.  We also had to check its vital signs like heartbeat and breathing rate.  It was a highly impressive experience with a large wild marine mammal and it seems very paradoxical that people spend hundreds of dollars to swim with trained dolphins while volunteers are desperately needed to save wild marine animals.  Not only is this a unique experience for everybody but it is highly educational at the same time.

We really appreciate the work of the MMC and we want to encourage every reader to spread the word and consider getting involved in this important activity.  For more information visit the MMC’s website at www.marinemammalconservancy.org.