Key Largo "Save the Whales"

On Tuesday my Uncle had read a story in the New York Times telling about three beached pilot whales that were being rehabilitated right down the road from us. Little did I know they were looking for VOLUNTEERS to HOLD the WHALES!

If you want to read more about the whales check out there story here.

Jeff and I signed up for a 4 hour shift Friday morning. To say I was excited is an understatement.

FAQ

Q: Why did the whales have to be held?
A: They are all in very critical condition and are unable to remain afloat on their own. Also they are mammals so they thrive off contact.

Q: How big were they?
A: Two of them were about 1 year old and they were 500 lbs. The other one was a teenager and quite a big larger.

Q: How long will they be there?
A: They were beached May 5th, and will remain quarantined until they get better. (Sadly I just followed up with them on their website and the one I held had to be euthanized due to renal failure)

Q: How did you hold them?
A: There was 2-4 people per whale and you rested them on your hip while holding them straight to keep their blow hole out of the water.

Q: What did you do for 4 hours?
A: It was a very active 4 hours filled with feedings, taking heart rates, taking breathing rates, physical therapy, blood being drawn, and keeping their skin wet.

Q: What was your favorite part?
A: The whale Jeff was holding squealed a couple times. I asked the vet what it meant, and she was trying to communicate with the other two whales. It was the neatest sounding thing! It was also amazing watching each time they took a breathe through their blow hole!

A moment we will never forget!

Jeff was very serious the whole time and did not break his concentration to smile for a picture

The whale I was holding was not easy for spectators to see, so here is a picture of me coming out of the water. (Did I mention I was so sore the next day?)


My wonderful supportive family that came out to cheer the whales and us on!

For those of you who have not known me forever, I will fill you in on a little secret that from 5th grade till my freshmen year in college I was planning to be a marine biologist. I went to several marine biology camps and my room was decorated completely in dolphins and whales. So this experience was everything I could have dreamed of and more! Jeff doesn't know yet I am dumping the pharmacy gig and going back to be a marine biologist :)

Stayed tune for wedding pictures :)