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Be a Marine Mammal Hero Year-Round

It’s pupping season and that means pups will be pouring through our hospital doors in need of meals and meds. But did you know you can help not only during pupping season, but year-round?

Yes, as a monthly donor, you will help provide fish meals, meds and care for a marine mammal like Magoo so they can regain their strength and return to their ocean home. Then the next month, you will help another patient. And the next month? You will make it possible again!

Plus, new monthly gifts will be matched up to $1,000 when you sign up by Sunday, February 23.

Be a hero year-round
harbor seal, magoo
Pacific Grove coastline

Volunteering in Monterey and Santa Cruz

CURRENT VOLUNTEERS SIGN IN

Follow these steps to become a volunteer

volunteers holding boards walk toward a sea lion needing rescue
photo by Brian Simuro © The Marine Mammal Center

  1. Add your name to the volunteer interest list to receive an application when volunteer spots are available. (Please note there may be a waiting period of several months before you receive an application and only adults 18+ who are no longer in high school are eligible to apply.)

  2. Complete an application, phone or in-person interview and background check.

  3. Attend a New Volunteer Onboarding Training.

YES! I WANT TO HELP!

Volunteers in Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz counties support all aspects of marine mammal rehabilitation from rescue to rehabilitation to release.

Duties include rescuing and transporting* injured and sick marine mammals, preparing food and feeding patients, cleaning pens and equipment, providing public outreach and education programs, and assisting with releases.

*Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license and clear a Motor Vehicle Report to drive on behalf of the Center.

Time Commitment:

  • Commit to the same shift every week for a minimum of six months.
  • Shift times vary depending on season and number of patients onsite.
  • Typical shifts run from 10am to 6pm.

Have Questions?

Contact us at volunteer@tmmc.org. 

Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, central California, volunteer opportunities, animal care, animal husbandry, outreach, marine animal rescue, sea animal rescue, wildlife rescue