If you have been following our local news then you know about the group of 21 pilot whales that stranded themselves off Cudjoe Key a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately 15 of them did not survive, but 2 of them have been safely released back into the wild. There are 4 remaining survivors that have been relocated to the Marine Mammal Conservancy in Key Largo. The survivors are anywhere from 8.9 to 13 feet long and range from 600 to 1,800 pounds. They are very social animals and travel in larger groups which may have led to their stranding. These 4 female pilot whales are now clinging to life and volunteers are literally cradling them 24 hours a day. They are being fed broad-spectrum antibiotics and “fish smoothies” consisting of purified water, vitamins and blended fish.
How can you help?
I’m glad you asked. The conservancy could really use volunteers, but if you cannot dedicate the time, then cash donations and supplies are needed too (see list below). If you want to drop off any of these items at our office we will make sure they get to the Conservancy in Key Largo. The whales could be there for several months, so anytime you can assist it would be appreciated.
For more information visit the Conservancy web site:
http://marinemammalconservancy.org/uncategorized/mass-stranding-volunteers-needed
Donation Items Needed:
- Cash donations!!!
- Ink cartridges – HP 60 (for HP Photosmart C4640 – black and tri-color)
- Ziploc Bags – Quart and gallon size
- Waterproof stopwatches (and/or waterproof watches)
- One gallon pitchers (not jugs)
- Large plastic bins
- Plastic storage unit with 2 inch drawers
- Plastic hanging file bins
- Plastic chairs
- Folding chairs
- Bottled water
- Gallon jugs of purified water
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen (waterproof and non-oil based)
- Green and red chem lights (glow sticks)
- Batteries of all sizes
- Cooked food for volunteers
- Bleach
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Scotch brite green scrub pads
- Duct tape
- At least 14” long zip ties
- Pens/pencils
- Scissors
- 3-Hole Punch
- Masking Tape
- Plastic Clipboards
