This post is written for the “Save the Ocean” group-writing project.

Marine mammal rescue centers rescue, restore to health and return to the wild aquatic animals that have been injured, orphaned or stranded for various reasons. Much like what we do with our orang utans, really :D However, many of the animals’ injuries are linked to human activities such as pollution, entangling fishing gear and other noise disturbances.

Image credit: Gemma Longman.

Here are a few tips if you intend to volunteer at a marine mammal rescue center:

• Don’t expect that you’ll be able to befriend a wild creature at the center. Most rehabilitation efforts try to minimize human contact and association with food.
• Promptly report stranded or distressed marine animals to trained personnels if you’re not fully trained. Don’t try to help stranded animals on your own.
• Take your volunteer spirit with you to the water. Educate fellow beach-goers. If you notice people behaving in a way that disturbs the wildlife, approach and inform them of appropriate guidelines.
• Study why marine animals are becoming sick or stranded and which human-related activities may be at fault. Become active i working to reduce the causes of the problem.

January 2008 is “Save the Ocean” month here at The Giving Hands. Click here for more information on how you too, can save our oceans, and remember to subscribe to The Giving Hands for your daily updates!