DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?

Model Tara Lynn

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:

"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.

They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.

• Jack Nicholson knows a beautiful woman when he sees one!
• Here he is with Kathy Bates.

They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist.

But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?

They would have no sex life and could not bear children.

Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.

And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.

WHALE RESCUE UPDATE; WADING WITH WHALES AND LOVING IT!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Patty Smukall and I (left) work with other volunteers to assist whale 300 at the Marine Mammal Conservancy

It was another amazing day with the whales today! Our shift started at 7:30 am, suiting up, getting instructions and getting ready to support pilot whale 300. She is a teenage whale who is still suffering from pneumonia. While 2 of us helped keep her blowhole above the water, two more of us supported her around the dorsal fin area, keeping her fluke high and keeping her from listing. We at the same time we all kept her skin moist. Every half hour we took vitals; heart rate and respiration. All this was done under the direct supervision of a Marine Mammal Conservancy Supervisor.  All volunteers were trained and given an orientation before being allowed in the water.

Whale 300, a "teenager" receives nebulizer treatments for her pneumonia

While being supported by volunteers, 300 was given treatments with a special nebulizer. She cooperates and takes deep breaths because she knows she’ll get fish when she does. She also receives Physical Therapy for her tail, which has atrophied a bit since her stranding. Hydration is given by inserting a tube down her throat, but she is very happy to eat fish on her own. Whenever one of the supervisors or staff who she is familiar with came in the water, she was like a big puppy, “wagging “her fluke, lifting her head and trying to move toward them. It’s so heartwarming to see the loving relationship these wonderful people have with this incredible animal!

The Vet (shirtless) checks on 300 after her treatments

I actually look like I know what I"m doing at the registration/infomation desk at MMC!

After our time in the water with the whale, we all shared in various other duties. I took over the registration/information desk. Others went out to sit with the “baby”, whale 301 who is a feisty 2 year old who is now swimming on her own. For safety, someone sits with her 24 hours a day, collects data on her vitals, feeds and plays with her. Another person acts as “scribe” recording all the data. Others work in the kitchen, help sanitize wetsuits, and perform any other chores that need doing. There’s a fantastic feeling of camaraderie at the Conservancy and the staff are more than willing to answer questions, teach, praise and thank all the volunteers.

I really need to qualify what I mean by volunteers! I'm really referring to people like me who come without specific training or experience. However, absolutely everyone at the Marine Mammal Conservancy is actually a volunteer! There are people who have training and have worked there for some time. Sea World rotates people at the Conservancy to assist, and many other marine groups send trained personnel. Some staff began as volunteers, just like me, but then took some of the classes offered by the MMC, and learned by doing over time. So while they are volunteers, they are more like "professional volunteers".

Everything I’ve learned about the Marine Mammal Conservancy has made me more proud to be a part of their efforts. They do uncommonly well in in research, rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild, marine mammals. To learn more visit    http://www.marinemammalconservancy.org/  or Info@MarineMammalConservancy.org  .

 

PILOT WHALE REPORT FROM KEY LARGO

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

The sun slipped silently into a golden horizon here at Key Largo leaving an ethereal glow on the water. The palm trees swayed gently in the tropical breeze and the air was filled with the scent of flowers. You would think such beautiful surroundings would bring peace and tranquility, but my heart is so heavy I couldn’t enjoy it.

Another pilot whale died today at the Marine Mammal Conservancy where professionals and volunteers alike have been working shifts around the clock to save these beached whales. This particular whale was in critical condition and despite all efforts, couldn’t recover.

Two pilot whales remain and every effort is being made to help them recover. The prognosis is good. One whale is swimming on her own. The teenage whale still needs to be supported and is receiving medical treatments for pneumonia through her blow hole, but is said to be progressing nicely.

My first shift begins at 7:30am tomorrow (Wednesday) and I’m looking forward to holding and wetting down the little pilot whale! Maybe tomorrow night I’ll feel that I can enjoy the tropical splendor around me!

Zoologist Patty Smukall and I join the rescue team tomorrow morining