Skip to main content

Avian Influenza Detected at Año Nuevo State Park

A small number of young northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park recently tested positive for H5N1, also known as bird flu. This is the first detection of H5N1 in California’s marine mammal population.

The risk of H5N1 to the public remains very low. We’re sharing guidance on how to protect yourself, your pets and marine mammals – and how you can help.

Learn more
Elephant seal
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 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.

YES! I WANT TO HELP!

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.