Disclosure: This article is apart of a series on behalf of being a Dawn Loves Wildlife Blog Ambassador. All opinions, and stories belong to Jamie of MN Girl in the World on behalf of Jen is on a Journey.

Photo Credit: Susan Goldman

To think, every year thousand of marine animals come ashore because they are injured, malnourished, or ailed with illness, and every year, the Marine Mammal Center comes through because of their dedication, hard work, and beliefs in saving the Wildlife. This year alone saving well over 900 marine animals.

The Marine Mammal Center has 4 core values:

*Rescue: our specially-trained crews are the only group authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to rescue marine mammals along 600 miles of Central and Northern California coast.

*Rehabilitate & Release: we help give our patients a second chance at life, and once they’re healthy return them to the ocean as wild as when we rescued them.

*Research: each animal in rehabilitation offers our researchers a unique window into marine mammal and ocean health – a connection we all share.

*Teach: education programs promote an understanding of the interdependence of the marine environment and the survival of all life.

And to think, all of this is done with just 145 Staff Members and 1100 Volunteers! Amazing work is happening every day at the Marine Mammal Center, and our Wildlife is extremely thankful.

If you happen to spot a Marine Mammal that has Stranded and may appear injured or sick be sure to call

(415) 289-7325 or SEAL!

The Marine Mammal Center’s Rescue Range covers well over 600 miles of California Coastline with field offices in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Mendocino Counties.

Many other organizations have responsibilities for other stranded marine mammals north or south of their range so even if you may be out of this ranged area, there is an organization nearby that can still help.

And one other GREAT organization that is doing great work in helping Save the Wildlife is The International Bird Rescue.

A few days before the World Animal Day (October 2nd) Celebration, The International Bird Rescue invited celebrities Adrian Grenier and Keegan Allen to International Bird Rescue facility in San Pedro, CA to go behind the scenes as a volunteer for the day. The World Animal Day Celebration was attended by animal advocates, and included the release of 9 rehabilitated birds back into the wild.

Actors Adrian Grenier, left, and Keegan Allen release a California Brown Pelican back into the wild as part of Dawn’s celebration of World Animal Day with International Bird Rescue, in San Pedro, Calif.,Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014. Photo/Dawn, Susan Goldma

The International Bird Rescue has been working well over 43 years in helping with Bird Rescues. International Bird Rescue was founded to provide the expertise and capacity needed to save oiled aquatic birds in emergency situations. Our highly trained staff and dedicated volunteers ensure that each bird receives expert and compassionate care.

They are dedicated to saving birds around the world by:

• Responding to wildlife impacted by oil spills and providing expertise in planning and training to government agencies, oil industry personnel, wildlife groups and volunteers
• Taking action during wildlife disasters, such as red tides and algal blooms, when no other resources are available
• Caring for oiled, injured and orphaned aquatic birds year-round at our two rescue centers in California
• Conducting ongoing research into the most effective strategies for saving wildlife
  
• Training organizations and individuals around the world who are committed to rescuing seabirds
• Inspiring the next generation by educating them about our life-saving work and the plight of avian species

Dawn Dish Soap has been a true advocate to both of these organizations over the years, and has donated well over 50K bottles to help rehabilitate well over 75,000 Wildlife Animals.

If you want more of a taste of what it takes to be a Volunteer at either the Marine Mammal Center or the International Bird Rescue you are invited to become a Virtual Volunteer where many videos are available to view.