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Urgent: Get Your Gift Matched

The clock is ticking closer to the end of 2024, and this gift match! But there is still time to help a sick and injured marine mammal.  

Your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by The James Boyce Trust up to $40,000, meaning your impact will go twice as far.  

Yes, you will be a marine mammal hero by helping providing double the meals and meds for a patient to return home.

Be a hero
California sea lions Goldilocks (underneath) and Johnlou
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