Want to help seals, whales, other wildlife? 2 chances

Know what to do if you see a seal, whale or other marine mammal in trouble? You can get training – for free. Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters (who also shared the seal-pup photo above) sends word of two upcoming sessions – one outside West Seattle, one right here for prospective Seal Sitters:

SESSION ONE:
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Seattle Aquarium
(1483 Alaskan Way).
This will be an open region-wide training by Kristin Wilkinson, NOAA stranding expert, in hopes of expanding a volunteer base trained to respond to marine mammals on the beach from South Puget Sound to Snohomish County. Learn about marine mammals in your area and how to report and respond to marine mammal strandings. If you are interested in responding to marine mammals in areas outside of West Seattle, we suggest you attend this session. Seal Sitters will be represented at the event and all are welcome to attend.

SESSION TWO:
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010, from 6 – 7:30 pm at the West Seattle Admiral branch of the Seattle Library (2306 42nd Ave SW, West Seattle). This session will be a special training for those wanting to volunteer for Seal Sitters in West Seattle. A multi-media presentation with photos by first responder Robin Lindsey will illustrate our educational work in the community and the particular challenges of protecting seals and seal pups in an urban environment. Zoologist and education and science advisor Buzz Shaw will discuss biology and behavior of seals and other marine mammals of Puget Sound. Learn how to report and respond to marine mammal strandings. Seating limited to 70 with some standing capacity. Please contact us if you have any questions and keep an eye on the blubberblog for updates regarding participants.

Blubberblog.org is the frequently updated section of the Seal Sitters’ website – often with daily updates on who, and what, they are finding on local beaches, as well as other related news. (added) For those who asked about RSVPing, this Blubberblog item has that info.

6 Replies to "Want to help seals, whales, other wildlife? 2 chances"

  • Bob Loblaw May 10, 2010 (9:41 pm)

    This is fantastic. We have two in this house who will be in attendance. Thanks for posting, TR & Team!

  • crystal May 10, 2010 (9:49 pm)

    This is great, what a wonderful cause! Who do we need to contact to RSVP for the training on June 1st?
    Crystal

  • sandy steiner May 10, 2010 (10:02 pm)

    I would love to learn too! Thanks a lot!

  • Teri May 11, 2010 (7:08 am)

    This is a wonderful opportunity! Can’t wait! Thanks for making this available.

  • Bob Loblaw May 11, 2010 (10:24 am)

    thanks for the RSVP info!

  • Jenny DB May 11, 2010 (11:08 am)

    Another great resource is Sarvey Wildlife http://www.sarveywildlife.org – they have really knowledgeable staff and if you ever find orphaned or injured wildlife they will care for them until they can be released. They have several drop off locations in the seattle area.

    One tip I recently learned: if you find a fawn alone, don’t think its orphaned. Does often leave their fawns for hours at a time and WILL RETURN for their fawn. If you take it because you think it’s “orphaned” its chance of survival are not good.

    On the other hand, baby birds that have fallen from a tree cannot be returned to the nest by their mother so they SHOULD be brought to a wildlife care center…

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