Monday, November 23, 2009

Alternative Holiday Market


A big "THANK YOU" goes out to the many friends of the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network (WMMSN) that helped support us by stopping by our booth at the 2nd Annual Multi-Faith Alternative Holiday Market! The table filled with fun, educational opportunities for children in our booth was an absolute success. 


On one side of the kids table, a table full of general information about marine mammals and WMMSN was set up, and on the other side there was a table where visitors could view a filmstrip showing the recent rehabilitated harbor seal release by Wolf Hollow, purchase WMMSN T-shirts or make donations.


 
As an "alternative" holiday market, all the booths were reserved for not-for-profit agencies and the entire event appeared to be a total success as crowds of visitors filled the Community Center at Bloedel Donovan Park from the time the event opened right up until it closed - all showing support for our local agencies as the Bellingham Community Chorus performed in the background. Admission to the alternative holiday market, a jar of baby food for donation to the Bellingham Food Bank.


 
Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if more people decided to give to not-for-profit agencies for the holidays?
~~~

Friday, November 20, 2009

Vancouver Aquarium Trip

Members of the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network were recently invited for a behind the scenes visit to Canada's largest aquarium, The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is the premier marine mammal facility on the west coast of Canada, with expertise in marine mammal care.

Here's some photos and captions shared by Carley Lowe, Co-investigator for
WMMSN 
Fur Seal Pup
 
Beluga with one yellow tooth!
 
Harbor seal pup in rehab.
 
Gnawing on the grating, so fun.
 
"I made friends with 19 seal pups." ~Carley

What a fantastic learning opportunity for the WMMSN members who were able to attend.  A big thank you goes out to Lindsaye and Marty!

Here's some other fun things from the Vancouver Aquariums website:
     *Beluga Cam:  Watch Aurora and her calf
     *Otter Cam:  Watch seaotters Milo and Tanu
     *Learn about the Cetacean Research Program
     *Learn how the aquarium is helping to solve the the puzzle of the disappearing Steller Sea Lions

If you go be prepared for border crossing you must have a valid passport and/or an enhanced driver license (EDL) or enhanced ID card (EID) to confirm your identity and citizenship.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

3 Seals Rehabilitated

As reported by Jane K. Fox for the San Juan Journal, here is the video from the seal release during the visit by some of the members of the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network (WMMSN) to the Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.


Interviews with members of WMMSN are included in this video as they discuss their excitement about the release of these three rehabilitated harbor seals and telling about when the seal, Chitenango, was found stranded along a beach on Lummi Island and first sent to Wolf Hollow for rehabilitation. Follow this link to read the entire story in the San Juan Journal