We're sharing a day in the life of a Marine Mammal Center Volunteer. From cleaning to interacting with the wildlife. Shadowing these fabulous volunteers was incredible.
With it being the season for giving thanks, I wanted to personally and publically say THANK YOU to all the volunteers at the Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue. Both primarily run on volunteers.
Marine Mammal Center and Dawn Dish Soap
A while back I traveled to Sausalito California to the Marine Mammal Center for a Dawn ‘Day in the Wildlife’ Event. It was there that I learned about all the good these two organizations along with Dawn were doing for our animals.
We at Made with HAPPY are all about HAPPY and our motto is "In the pursuit of HAPPY" and while we love talking about crafts, and food, and travel, we also know that HAPPY comes in so many ways. HAPPY is about being kind, thankful, and giving. Happy is about helping those that cannot help themselves. Giving without expectation of reciprocation.
What I discovered on this trip was that the volunteers for these organizations are truly some unsung heroes. They put in long hours and dedication to maintaining these facilities and helping these animals all on their own time without collecting a paycheck. They are saving the lives of these animals and doing so much good for the ocean and sea life.
Volunteers
Last time, I briefly mentioned that I had the pleasure of shadowing Alexander for the afternoon.
He's one of their fabulous volunteers (I'm super biased, but he was my favorite :)). He let me shadow him throughout the day. We talked and I asked about a bazillion questions and he answered them the best he knew. I just learned so much from him. This is Alexander Pearce, 19. He became a volunteer during a year off before heading to college. He needed to rehabilitate himself after knee surgery.
I learned of his start in the education center learning about the facility and animals. He then turned around and taught the visitors to the Marine Mammal Center about all the good they do there. From education, he then moved into the Animal Care Crew. This is the job that I had the opportunity to share with him.
We talked about all the rewarding aspects of volunteering. as well as getting hands-on experience being up close and personal to the wildlife. They maintain every aspect of these facilities including not only the animal pens but the hospital, the kitchen, paths, everything!
Here is a fun video showing some of the fun we had throughout the day.
I think about being Thankful this season and throughout the year, let's give a HUGE thank you to our Volunteers. Selfless individuals around the world are contributing to the better good of our world. I know I thank you all!!!
Big Shout out to Alexander for the opportunity of a lifetime. He taught me how to get in there and get my feet wet!!
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