Stranded Pilot Whales need your help in Key Largo, FL

[Scuba_Jenny]

Thanks Gibby and Carmen! Got a trip report??


I have rewritten the list of needs to make it easy to forward on to others.


Cash Donations
Plastic Chairs
Plastic Organization Bins
Bottled Water
Soda/Gatorade
Gallon Jugs of Purified Water
Sunscreen (waterproof, non oil based)
Green and Red Chem Sticks (glow sticks)
Batteries of all sizes
Bleach
70% isopropyl alcohol
Duct tape
At least 14” long zip ties
Laundry detergent
Ziplock bags, quart and gallon
Rid-X
Toilet Tissue
Food for volunteers
Fruit / Snacks
Monetary Donations
Shampoo/Cream Rinse
Liquid Body Soap
Caribbean SPF 45 Lotion
1 gallon pitchers
Pens/Pencils
Scissors
3-hole puncher
Masking tape
Clipboard

 

[Thiad]

I tried to donate online, but it looks like something is wonky with their website. Knowing that website problems are the least of their concern at the moment, is their any other way to give since I'm so far from Florida? Do they have a paypal address?

 

[mselenaous]

MMC Mortgage Reduction Fund Program : Marine Mammal Conservancy

This is their webpage for donations through Paypal with 6 options depending on donation level/frequency and there is a one-time link at the bottom. When I copy/paste the Paypal link it doesn't connect however when I do click on their Paypal buttons they do work.

You can also mail a check or money order:
Marine Mammal Conservancy
102200 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 451-4774

 

[mselenaous]

I hear the four gals are slowly improving. MMC was apparently overwhelmed by the number of volunteers this morning :kiss2:
However, there is still a huge need for volunteers for the 8pm-midnite, midnite-4am, and 4am-8am shifts as well as during the weekdays. AND this effort will be ongoing for at least several more weeks.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Good to hear about the gals! Whoo hoo!! Planning on getting back down for a night shift...

 

[TheOnlyRae]

I have been trying to put together the right words to describe my experience.
Unable to do so thus far.
When we left last night, 300 was eating whole fish. During my time with her, she got very excited and ended up with 3 guys assisting with her.

If you have the chance to go, do it. You will not regret it.

 

[bilsant]

Sorry for the delay on my report.

I've been diving all weekend, but stopped with Dave H from GCS to do a shift Saturday from 8a to noon. Obviously the word is getting out that help is needed. I counted around sixty or so volunteers lined up to help by 8:30 am. Everyone wanted to get in the water, so Dave & I were pressed into other badly needed services. We hauled rope, wound electrical cord, moved rebar, fixed a cooler, scrubbed equipment, drove rebar into the ground to help make no parking signs (some lady looked at the sledge hammer I was using and asked me if I was Thor. I said no, but I figured I was going to be pretty thstiff later on in the day). We hauled ice, and delivered supplies, and finally ended up trying to help someone locked out of their car until we had to beat it to make start time for a dive on the Eagle, which I'll rave about in another thread.

If there's a point to this, it's that there's more to do than meets the eye.

Now to the important part. The ladies were showing improvement and are garnering lots of attention. I understand there's been continued improvement since I left. Cross fingers, pray skyward, channel energy, or just have a good thought for them in whichever fashion you choose - whatever is happening there seems to be positive. While you're doing those things, try and get down there on the nights and weekdays to continue helping, and throw a grubby tshirt, sensible shoes, and some work gloves in with your other gear. This is far from over and lots of support is still needed.

Gotta go rinse gear and prepare for the week.

 

[Thiad]

Thanks for the link, Elena. It's great to hear people are getting involved.

 

[mselenaous]

I spent the evening with the gals. The wind generated waves making standing still somewhat challenging, but it did die down after a bit. The pilot whales are improving. Two are eating fish (stuffed with medicines & supplements) now, the other two are still being tube fed. The calf will be on her special formula for a while longer. Like any baby on formula, she did regurgitate some of it. The gals are starting to feel better and be more interactive. 300 is starting to learn some of the hand signals and behaviors from the trainers. She got all excited smelling the food and was literally chomping at the bit for her capons and herring. I heard this morning that the calf, 301, got frisky last night and made a dash for it....twice. Senior staff jolted quickly to rodeo her back into position.

It was nice to see that there were plenty of volunteers around last night to help out on the 8p-midnite shift, but there is still a huge on-going need weekdays and weeknites particularly from midnite to 8am. Call 305-451-4774 for more information.

 

[jet126]

The messages on this thread have touched my heart.

I am free all Memorial weekend so will sign up for a graveyard shift either Friday or Saturday night 5/27 or 5/28. I just called. Right now (Monday May 16) they are taking sign ups through Tuesday the 23rd, FYI for anyone interested in the next seven days.

She said they will still need help, they just don't have the sign up sheets that far out. I will call back next week.