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Sea Lion Irving Rescued on a San Francisco Street

California sea lion Irving was stranded in San Francisco. Thanks to our partners and people like you, he was rescued and brought to our hospital. Irving is now receiving expert medical care needed to recover.

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California sea lion pup Irving
Mendocino coast with poppies blooming in the foreground

Volunteering in Sonoma and Mendocino

CURRENT VOLUNTEERS SIGN IN

Follow these steps to become a volunteer

volunteers assess a beach in the Fort Bragg area

  1. Add your name to the volunteer interest list below to be notified of upcoming New Volunteer Introduction sessions.

  2. After attending a New Volunteer Introduction, complete an application, phone interview and background check.

  3. Attend role-specific training.

Volunteers in Sonoma and Mendocino counties (north of Jenner) support all aspects of marine mammal rescue and release.

Note: For Jenner / Bodega Bay and south, see Volunteering in Sausalito and San Francisco Bay Area.

On-call duties include assessing reported marine mammals and working with staff to determine whether rescue is needed and if so, rescuing and transporting injured and sick marine mammals to our hospital in Sausalito, as well as providing public outreach and education on the beach during rescues.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license and clear a Motor Vehicle Report. Rescues in this region are seasonal, and there may be long periods of inactivity.

Time Commitment:

  • Attend an annual refresher training as well as any supplemental training.
  • Commit to responding to reported marine mammals in your county on an on-call basis.
  • Commit to being on-call at least eight hours each month for a minimum of six months.

Have Questions?

Contact us at volunteer@tmmc.org.