Barbara & Rob Billand Adventure

Good Evening Blog Lady,
I have been wondering who I can talk to in reference to the Marine Mammal Center. I want to tell the folks that made our trip possible....THANK YOU!!!!! Robert and I had the best times at the Center.
On our first day we were very nervous, arrived before seven am, wondering who to see, where to go and what we'd be doing. As we parked, Marie Destifanis came around the corner, jumping up and down as she recognized us getting out of the car. Of coursse we were thrilled to see her and she was the first person to direct us. Thank heavens. She introduced us to some workers on the team that Tuesday. She got us some slickers and boots as we had none...just our regular clothes. She also got me a sweater as I was trembling with cold. Her jacket was small but it did keep me very warm all day.

We went immediately to the pens with many Elephant seals who were in the pool and on the ground waiting for us to enter. Those seals didn't waste any time in sniffing us out, perhaps waiting to be fed. We were terrified as they all greeted us one by one with those big black eyes and large nostrils. We both never saw Elephant Seals at all so it was very exciting. Our first teacher taught us about Bordering, took us a bit but we got it ok. It was spooky having all those seals coming from both corners at times.

Next we learned forcep feeding, then free feed, and then....the restraining method. Oh my gosh, my heart was pounding, I had my knees too far behind and that seal turned some, so I learned fast to keep those knees at the eyes, not touching the wiskers, not touching the eyes. How to tuck in the flippers to keep control and not sit on the seal at all. How to hold the head for the Tubers also. Wow, that was real exciting and we done the best we could. It was hard for both of us to get up without holding on the rim of the pool, but, we learned quickly, those Ele's are right there to take a nip of you if you do that. He. He.

Lesson next, Tube Feeding. Yep, we fed the pups with a large tube, stuffing it down their throat , slowly and carefully. It wasn't too bad. We learned how each individual at The Marine Mammal Center gives so much of themselves so these great critters can get back to the wild. They are all very caring, hard working, devoted, loyal people. Rob and I are so proud to have met and work with these people. It was a real honor to be there.

We were surprised to meet Doc Greg Levine up there. He was working so hard, taking blood samples, checking each pups health. We met Susan Canja, Marie Destifanes and Mizusu too. They were the ones who we met while caring for KP2. Aubrey St.Marie was on a new job in Alaska and had left on the 23rd of April. Four days before we arrived.

There is no food at the Center, so for those that are going there, get your supplies before arriving. Take plenty clothes, it was cold for us during our week. You will be working in seal poop and pee every day, so, take extra clothes. We didnt know where a laudry mat was. Some times we just used the same stinky clothes. Dont' worry you'll get used to it after a while. And they have a great gift shop but, it opens at 10 and closes at 4pm, so, find time to get there. We asked if we could go shop then we returned later.

We got introduced to the Director and we had a nice conversation about our seals and our differences how we treat our mammals. I told them we never get close as we done at the Marine Center. We had no eye contact and fed KP2 from a far, hiding behind things. Marie told him we had the Vetinary award and we felt embarrassed but he was cool.

While we were tube feeding with a worker named Stacy, she had an ergent phone call that her mom had a stroke. We felt so bad, Stacy was so shaken and left right away. Later we found out Stacy's Mom was getting better, slow in her remembering any thing but they got to her in time. Hopefully Stacy's Mom makes it ok.

We had the priviledge of releasing 7 of the pups we cared for at Point Reyes! How awesome is that????? We had to catch them, put them in crates, lift to weigh them, take them to the awaiting vehicles. Then the instructor said they had an international group this year...Greeks, Russians, Italians, Germans and the Hawaiians. She then instructed the Hawaiians (ROBERT AND ME) to drive the truck, the Germans were to drive the van to Point Reyes. We told them we didnt know where that was, it was our first visit to California. She then gave Robert and I a directions sheet and told us to go. We followed the other van very closely.

It took two hours to get to the area. At Point Reyes, we carried the crates with the pups to shore, released them and watched in thrills and tears as one by one, the pups humped out, looked around, kissed each other, then inched toward the water. But, they all turned around and came toward us. It was so sweet and I cried. The instructor told us...."OK, we have to leave now!" It rained, we reluctantly got in our vehicles and left the pups there, all alone to fend for themselves. I wanted to stay so bad.

Well, the next day we met up with Karen Harris and her friend Kenneth Sperber of Hawaii. Karen used to go to Kaena pt to observe the seals and do reports with Joanna Tabor. She said she was taking us to Pt Reyes!!!!! Oh my gosh!!! Then we could check on the pups as I wanted to. She had no idea we went there the day before. We didnt care....we had to spy on the pups. At first we didnt find them, but met up with larger older Elephant Seals, bellowing to each other. Quite exciting to witness. We kept walking different areas and finally, there they were. Some crawling up the road, one on the side going higher and higher. The others saw us and came charging up to the fence and started vocalizing, I can not express how sad I felt for all of them alone to fend for themselves. As soon as I had a signal, I contacted the Marine Mammal Center immediately. THey said it was too late to check on them now, but first thing in the morning they would send some one. But I was also told, the pups would have to try to make it on their own.

On our last day we did dishes, sterillzing pots, took frozen fish out of large boxes and seperating the fish for the morning feeds. Our instructor was another volunteer in his twentys and so kind to teach us what to do. Did we have a great time??? Yes indeed!!!!!! Would we go again??? Yes!!!! To any one else going, you will have a fantastic adventure and a world of knowledge learned. It will all be done just in case we have another abandoned pup like KP2. Trust me, this is an opportunity of a life time. Thank you for allowing us to go to the Awesome place known as The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. With a grateful heart to all those amazing people at the Center

Barbara and Robert Billand

Thank you to the Non Profit Group!!!!! This was an opportunity of a LIFE TIME!!!!Thank you from our hearts for a memorable Trip to the Marine Mammal Center!!!