Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
FOR STRANDING EMERGENCIES CALL 1-800-9-MAMMAL
Dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals through rescue and rehabilitation, research and education.
TMMSN Highlights and Updates
Click here for news archives...
January 6, 2011
Bo's page
has been updated with new photos and information on his
rehabilitation and disposition.
January 3, 2011
Our Wish List has been
updated!
December 30, 2011
Bo was successfully transported
from TSA's Sea Lab to the TMMSN's Galveston rehabilitation facility.
December 29, 2011
TMMSN recovered a live Kogia species from
Sargent Beach. Unfortunately, the animal did not survive transport.
Initial necropsy revealed a severe intestinal blockage.
December 24, 2011
Our TMMSN
family is very sad to report that Raine experienced a quick decline
in health over the last 24 hours and was no longer able to continue
her fight.
December 23, 2011
TMMSN website launches new home page!
December 22, 2011
TMMSN rescues PI257, male bottlenose dolphin,
in South Padre Island. "Bo Jingles" is currently receiving care from
TMMSN volunteers in Corpus Christi.
View
PI257's rescue page.
December 20, 2011
Raine has been swimming on her own the last
few days...
Read the
latest on Raine's rehab and see photos of her with her toys!
December 6, 2011
PO480 has been named "Raine" (pronounced
"Rain")...
Read an
update on Raine
December 3, 2011
At her one week anniversary since stranding, PO480 continues to
receive critical care from volunteers and staff at the Texas Marine
Mammal Stranding Network...
see latest
update on patient PO480 along with new slideshow!
November 30, 2011
An update on our most recent rescue has been posted on her page.
Visit
PO480's page to read the latest on her condition and care.
November 27, 2011
Our newest patient, PO480's rescue page
is online and can be viewed
here.
See photos of PO480 and donate toward her care.
November 26, 2011
The TMMSN rescued a live female bottlenose
dolphin this afternoon from Sargent, TX. The animal was transported
to our rehab facility in Galveston. The animal remains in
critical condition and is currently being cared for by staff and
volunteers around the clock.
Check this page for updates.
November 19, 2011
The TMMSN hosted an educational facility tour
and mock stranding exercise at our Galveston rehab and research
center for students from the Lone Star College in Kingwood.
November 19, 2011
The TMMSN will be conducting a training day
for new volunteers for the Corpus Christi region this Saturday,
November 19th. There are still several spots available. Those
interested in attending may download the
volunteer application from the
Volunteer
page of our website and submit it to
kenneth.brown@tamucc.edu.
November 13, 2011
TMMSN welcomed another new class of volunteers
with a New Volunteer Training Day held at the TMMSN's Galveston
facility. Welcome new volunteers!
Click the photos below to see more photos from training day on our
Facebook page.
November 8, 2011
TMMSN Recovers Two Deceased Dolphins
The TMMSN is preparing for stranding season
after recovering two deceased dolphins today. Dolphin strandings
usually increase each fall at the end of November and continue for
several months with the peak of the season falling between January
and April.
Monday, November 7, the TMMSN received a call in the evening for a
deceased dolphin on the Texas City Dike. We investigated and found a
large male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
measuring 8.7 feet. After securing the animal overnight, the TMMSN
returned in the morning to take samples and remove the carcass.
Tuesday, November 8, the TMMSN received a call for a deceased
dolphin on the east end of Galveston Island. The TMMSN responded and
removed a small female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
measuring approx. 4-5 ft. The animal was brought back to our
research laboratory where a necropsy will be conducted.
November 3, 2011
TMMSN responded to a call for a deceased dolphin on Galveston
Island. We recovered a Code 3 Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene) and
transported the animal to our research laboratory where a detailed
necropsy will be conducted soon.
November 2, 2011
TMMSN State Operations Coordinator Heidi Whitehead spoke
at a Marine Recreation Community Workshop presented by National
Geographic at the Historic Hotel Galvez in Galveston, TX.
October 29, 2011
Weis Middle School in Galveston hosts a Fall Festival
where visitors can participate in fun fall games, explore a haunted
house, and enjoy cultural performances. The TMMSN hosts an
educational booth at this event, and will feature the bottlenose
dolphin mascot, Gulfy!
ECU/WEIS Middle School Fall Festival
October 28, 2011
TMMSN announces new clearance merchandise in the online gift shop!
Get your favorites while they last!
TMMSN Clearance Merchandise
October 27, 2011
Atascocita High School students from Humble, TX visit
the TMMSN Facility to learn about marine mammal research and
conservation, conduct a mock marine mammal stranding and rescue, and
tour the facility.
October 20, 2011
“From Soldiers to Science: 100 Years of Fort Crockett
History” was a special celebration hosted by NOAA commemorating the
history of the property. The event was a hit among NOAA supporters
and employees from across the nation. Many NOAA guests got their
very first look at the new TMMSN Marine Mammal Rehabilitation and
Research Facility. Special thanks to Barbara, John and Krysta for
their assistance.
From Soldiers to Science: NOAA Celebrates 100 Years of History at
Fort Crockett
October 12, 2011
Did you know the San Luis Hotel here in Galveston has a giant pirate
ship in one of their hotel rooms? This is where they host the Spa
San Luis Kids Club and the TMMSN was a featured presenter to a group
of enthusiastic kids of all ages.
October 8, 2011
The TMMSN had a merchandise booth at the Bay Area Dive Market. A big
shout out to Christina, Hiep, Carry, and Brittney for their help at
the Dive Market!
October 8, 2011
The TMMSN welcomed almost 30 new volunteers at a Volunteer Training
Day at the facility. Thanks Thresea, Kay, Lauren, Barbara, Rebecca,
Lynette, and Cody for their assistance at the training day.
September 24, 2011
The TMMSN had a booth at the Houston Zoo Enrichment Day.
Special photos and marine mammal enrichment items were displayed,
and young visitors had the opportunity to get their faces painted.
Many thanks to John, Jennifer and Christina for running this booth!
Enrichment
Day at the Houston Zoo
September 19, 2011
A second pre-screening of the film, Dolphin Tale, was shown at the
Edwards Theatre in Houston. A representative from TMMSN spoke to the
audience about marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation and conservation
in Texas. The TMMSN thanks Warner Bros. for this great opportunity.
September 17, 2011
The TMMSN had a booth at the Houston Zoo “Get Out and Play!” Day.
Special thanks to Kay, Michele and the Jorgensons for teaching
audiences how to rescue stranded marine mammals!
Get Out and Play! at the Houston Zoo
September 16, 2011
TMMSN responded to CC228- a 7.5 ft, 250lb live melonheaded whale (Peponocephala
electra) stranded on Padre Island National Seashore. Unfortunately,
the animal did not survive. It was transported to Galveston where a
necropsy was conducted at our research laboratory the following day.
The pathology report will be posted on the research page of our
website when it is available.
Click for larger images
September 2, 2011
The Fay School in Houston invited TMMSN to teach their elementary
school students about marine mammals and marine mammal conservation.
We are greatly appreciative of the Fay School’s continued support!
September 1, 2011
Texas A&M University at Galveston hosted an Organization’s Night at
their campus to introduce new students to clubs/organizations around
Galveston. The TMMSN had the opportunity to share our information
with these students, as well as gain some new members and
volunteers. A big thank you to Courtney, Brittany and Brenda for
representing us!
August 7, 2011
TMMSN Job Postings - Galveston, TX
Click to view postings and for information on how to apply
July 30, 2011
The TMMSN has been invited to participate at the Houston Downtown Aquarium Shark Weekend event on Saturday,
July 30th and Sunday, July 31st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. We will have a booth set-up with some merchandise,
marine mammal bones, and a mock stranding activity for kids.
Saturday the 30th - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday the 30th - 2p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday the 31st - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday the 31st - 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
July 23, 2011
The TMMSN will have an outdoor booth and mock stranding activity for kids and families at Discovery Green Houston on
Saturday, July 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Come check us out!
http://www.discoverygreen.com
July 13, 2011
The TMMSN hosts an educational necropsy demonstration at the TMMSN laboratory for the Texas A&M Sea Campers.
June 18, 2011
The TMMSN presented at the Texas Coastal Expo at Moody Gardens with over a hundred other Texas coastal interest groups.
The public used the opportunity to learn about the TMMSN mission and children were able to "rescue" dolphins with a remote
control rescue truck!
 |
 |
 |
 |
June 10, 2011 TMMSN Corpus Christi Training Day Scheduled for June 18, 2011 at
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Class registration begins at 8:30 to 9:15 with the lecture portion will begin promptly at 9:30 am. There will be a break for lunch from 12:30-1:30 and which time training will resume at the University Beach---so be prepared to get wet. The training class should be over by 3:30-4:00pm depending on class size.
What you need to bring: Pencil/Pen & paper for the morning lecture; swimsuit/wetsuit, water shoes/booties (no flip flops!) and towels for the beach session.
Cost: Cost is $25.00 for students, $50.00 for non-students. This will also get you a one-year membership in the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network and a volunteer manual. (Cash or check is preferred—we are not set up for electronic processing of credit cards) T-Shirts and other items will be available for purchase if you’re interested.
If you have any questions call Kenneth Brown at 361-728-6069.
June 4, 2011
The TMMSN Galveston Region Welcomes 25 new volunteers!
May 25, 2011
The TMMSN hosts educational booth at the BayDay Festival in Kemah, TX
May 24, 2011
The TMMSN Begins New and Updated Marine Mammal Education Programs Summer 2011
May 17, 20111
Requesting Help from the Public to Track an Entangled Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
The TMMSN will be at the following May Education Events:
Oppe Elementary Coastal Carnival
2011
May 7th, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on the school grounds
Galveston, TX
Bay Day Family Festival 2011
Celebrating Galveston Bay
May 21st, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah, TX
April 4, 2011
The TMMSN Education team has been very busy this Spring! Check out some photo highlights from our spring education program!
March 5 -6, 2011
February 23, 2011
TMMSN 2011 Educational Program Starts in February!
You'll see us at the following events this Spring:
February 27th, 2011
Houston Zoo Teen and Young Adult Career Conference
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Houston Zoo
March 6th, 2011
Krewe of Barcus and Meoux Walking Pet Parade
Time of event TBA
March 12th, 2011
Baywatch Dolphin Tours
10:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Baywatch booth in Galveston, TX
March 19th, 2011
Free Dolphin Rescue Training Day for the Public
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
53rd and Seawall
March 26th, 2011
Ocean Discovery Day at NOAA
9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the TMMSN Facility
The facility will be open to the public, and we will have kid's activities, signage, a table with bones, guided tours, etc.
See our News and Event Photos on FACEBOOK!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST TMMSN STRANDING STATISTICS - Updated May 2011
Official TMMSN Rescue Postage Stamps are Now Available:
Cupid, a TMMSN Success Story at His New Home!
Thanks to a company called Zazzle
(an approved licensed vendor of the US Postal Service), you can now order new custom TMMSN U.S. postage stamps.
Click on the stamp above for more information and to place your order
today. A portion of each sale will benefit TMMSN.
Official
Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network License Plates
Available Now!
Now you can raise money for TMMSN just by searching
the internet:
GoodSearch.com is a search engine that donates half its revenue to the charities its users designate. Just go to http://www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network as the charity you want to support. GoodSearch.com estimates that each search will raise $0.01 for The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! Remember - each time you use this search engine, you are generating money for TMMSN rescue and rehabilitation efforts!
Now you can help TMMSN with every
purchase you make on Amazon.com!
Just remember to
use the Amazon.com link on the TMMSN website to access Amazon.com,
and Amazon.com
will track your purchase and link it back to TMMSN. 5% of your
purchase total will be
donated to TMMSN. Easy as pie.
Kroger Shoppers Can Earn Money for the
TMMSN Just by Shopping:
Shoppers can link their Kroger Plus
card to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, by presenting our
barcode to the cashier the next time they check out. The cashier
will scan their Kroger Plus card and then the
barcode to link to our organization. Once the process is
complete, the customer will be enrolled as a supporter for the
remainder of the current program year. Every time the customer
shops, a portion of their sale will be contributed to the Neighbor
to Neighbor fund. Participating charities are awarded a percentage
of the $1 million payout that reflects the number of qualifying
purchases made during the program year.
To learn more about the Neighbor to Neighbor program and how to get involved, visit www.krogerneighbortoneighbor.com.
2010 TMMSN News
Volunteers respond to Bottlenose dolphin, now undergoing treatment at the Galveston facility
December 22, 2010
Update on CC284, Buc-ee
December 12, 2010
--New TMMSN Facility Photo Slideshow
December 08, 2010
The entire TMMSN Gift Shop is now 20% off through the month of December
October 1, 2010
TMMSN Submits the Dolphin Rescue Project to Pepsi Refresh Everything
Beginning October 1, the public can vote on the Pepsi website at www.refresheverything.com/dolphinrescue for the for the TMMSN as we try to win a $250,000 grant to fund operations. You can vote twice daily. Once by sending the number 103350 in a text message to Pepsi (73774) or by voting online at the website above. You can sign in with your Facebook ID or one that you choose. Once you have signed in make sure you click "vote" again or will not register your vote. You will get a strange confirmation message like " oh yeah" or "for sure." That means you've voted!
You may also utilize the widget on our home page to cast your vote in addition to your cell phone text vote. Don't forget to print out the flyers from the link on the homepage to distribute to your friends and coworkers! For more information on what the grant will fund check out the list of expenses at the Refresh Everything link above or just browse our website to learn more about the TMMSN volunteers do.
Thanks for your support!
September 28, 2010
Saturday, October 2nd
Houston Zoo Enrichment Day
http://www.houstonzoo.org
9am-3pm
Saturday, October 9th
Bay Area Diver's Market
http://www.bayareadivers.org
9am-4pm
Sunday, October 24
Evia Spring Market- Galveston, TX
http://www.eviagalveston.com
11am-3pm
September 15, 2010
Gulfy visits UTMB surgical coding dolphin team to celebrate an award given to Tricia Yeathermon for Employee of the Year for UTMB Provost Office (Click Photo to Enlarge)
September 2, 2010
August 14, 2010
The fourth Melonheaded Whale in 2 Months is Recovered in Port O'Connor by the Galveston team. Necropsy performed and results forthcoming.
August 12, 2010
July 27, 2010
Sad News Regarding Gordy
July 20, 2010
TMMSN Volunteers Successfully Rescue and Release Trapped Bottlenose Dolphin
July 12, 2010
The TMMSN has recovered and will perform detailed necropsies on each of the three Melonheaded whales (Peponocephala electra) to strand inside of three weeks. Great effort and time, through difficult terrain and conditions to rescue and/or recover these whales were made on the part of the TMMSN Corpus Christi volunteers.
 |
 |
 |
 |
June 15, 2010
June 02, 2010
The Corpus Christi Region of TMMSN will be holding a training class on June 19th from 10am to around 3pm with a break for lunch. The cost is $25.00 for students and $50.00 for non-students. This fee includes your membership to the TMMSN for a year. You will need pen and paper, clothing and shoes that can get wet. To register for this class please contact Kenneth Brown at Kenneth.Brown@tamucc.edu or Lea Walker at gwalker4@stx.rr.com. You can also fill out a volunteer application online here. Please indicate you are applying for the Corpus Christi region on your application.
June 01, 2010
 |
 |
TMMSN Director Dr. Daniel Cowan receives the Mark Keyes Award for Marine Mammal Conservation
Dr. Cowan would like to thank the TMMSN volunteers for making the Mark Keyes award he has received possible.
This award is to be given to an active member of the IAAAM, who in his/her activities within the past 10 years,
has made a significant impact on the conservation of one or more species of marine mammal through any or all of the following areas:
-Scientific research
-Political action
-Management of the species in the wild
-Management of the species in captivity
-Education
Dr. Keyes was for many years a veterinary researcher and diplomat for the National Marine Fisheries Service, and was instrumental in the northern fur seal management program of the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. This award is given in his honor.
May 16, 2010
Volunteer Appreciation Day Held in Galveston
Volunteers worked many hours for Donley the Dolphin's care and in other areas and received some much deserved appreciation.
 |
 |
 |
May 09, 2010
The TMMSN Rescues PO464 - Male Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
April 30, 2010
Slideshow of some TMMSN Spring 2010 activities
TMMSN volunteers have been busy over the last 3 months
April 22, 2010
On Saturday, April 17, the Corpus Christi regional TMMSN volunteers responded to a live Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris)
and attempted rehabilitation.
April 22, 2010
Large Stranded Baleen Whale Species Identified
April 15, 2010
The TMMSN Corpus Christi regional volunteer group responded to a
live baby Bottlenose dolphin stranding
April 12, 2010
Construction begins on new NOAA/TMMSN marine mammal facility
March 23, 2010
The TMMSN gets a new mascot, see photos here
and submit your ideas for the mascot's name
March 5, 2010
The children of the Fay School in Houston, TX raise nearly $1000 for the TMMSN
March 4, 2010
Donley is successfully transported to Sea World of San Antonio - Photos coming soon!
February 26, 2010
The TMMSN Rescues GA1612 - Tursiops truncatus in Galveston, TX
February 9, 2010
New Donley Photos Online
February 8, 2010
43 Ft. Baleen Whale Strands Dead in Port Aransas
 |
 |
January 26, 2010
Donley's new home is determined. Click to read more