Become a Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Volunteer!
If you are interested in volunteering with TMMSN, you may fill out the volunteer application below
and submit to tmmsndrt@yahoo.com. However, please note that with our new facility completion date in the fall, we will likely
be making changes to our volunteer training program and schedule for the Galveston region.
We will keep the submitted volunteer
applications on file and you will be notified when volunteer training opportunities are once again available. All applications
must be complete to qualify for consideration, no exceptions. No phone calls, please. Thank you for your interest!
Download TMMSN Volunteer Application Form Here
Thank you for your interest in TMMSN! There are many aspects of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network that volunteers may become involved with including education, live animal rehabilitation, dead animal recovery, necropsies, research, and more.
How do you become a TMMSN volunteer? In order to become a volunteer, you must be at least 18 years of age and attend a training session (held quarterly). Volunteers are expected to be hard-working, punctual, honest, and respectful of TMMSN policies. It is very important that volunteers be able to follow directions. Due to the high expectations for our volunteers the TMMSN reserves the right to dismiss a volunteer for any reason, at any time.
Volunteers for the TMMSN are reminded that we are not here to promote or engage in "spiritual" experiences such as swimming or communicating with the dolphins. With your continued commitment of time you will gain much valuable experience that you may be able to use in your studies, career, or personal life but your enrichment is not the goal of our program. We are here for the animals and to contribute to the body of knowledge about these amazing creatures.
Training sessions are usually held several times a year and run from 9am-3pm. There is a lecture series in the morning and in-water training in the afternoon. The only price to attend is the annual membership fee, which is $50 per individual and $25 per student.
So what's in it for you? The TMMSN is pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to people from all walks of life. Students gain valuable experience that is difficult to come by, and such experience adds to their studies and may often lead to employment opportunities within the field. Those who aren't students gain the same valuable experience and are able to take part in bearing a unique responsibility--the care and well-being of a protected species whose intelligence rivals any in the animal kingdom. In either case, you may witness the rewarding process of bringing a sick dolphin or small whale back from the brink to good health and a long life. An experience of a lifetime and one that's rarely matched anywhere!
Volunteer Opportunities
RESEARCH...Because most of the animals that we recover are already dead, we use this opportunity to conduct research on the tissues and organs. A necropsy might be conducted on the beach or in a lab depending on the circumstances. Field recovery and necropsy of dead dolphins in whales is a frequent and standard part of the TMMSN volunteer experience.
RESCUE...
Whenever TMMSN receives a call to retrieve a live animal, trained TMMSN personnel respond to the call for help. The TMMSN CCT (Critical Care Team--an experienced team of responders) moves quickly to ensure a high probability of survival for the animal.
REHAB…
Whenever a live animal is rescued, 24-hour care is required for the complete recovery of the animal. Volunteers fill 4-hour observation shifts for round-the-clock supervision.
In addition to their shifts responsibilities include: assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint, monitoring and recording behavior and physical state of the animal, and monitoring the water filtration system.
Care of the animal involves: 1) feeding at different stages of development and recovery, 2) blood sampling, 3) weighing, and 4) environmental enrichment. Blood sampling aids in identifying illnesses, and a gain in weight indicates normal metabolic activity. Care for animals that will not be released back into the wild includes husbandry training.
Only those regular and reliable volunteers who put in their valuable time will reach the level of experience that will enable them to participate in activities requiring interaction above and beyond the observation shifts.
RELEASE…
Release is a bitter-sweet moment for all volunteers who have been involved with an animal’s care and treatment. Release is determined by a number of factors: 1) age and maturity, 2) overall health, 3) swimming and foraging abilities, and 4) length of time devoid of medication. The decision to release an animal is made by National Marine Fisheries Service with input from several individuals at TMMSN.