Efforts to Save the Animals

While the world is watching, shaking their heads over the politics and not knowing what to do, there are some organizations who have already started working to save the animals affected by the BP Oil Spill, now being referred to as the Deepwater Horizon Incident.

These men and women are pulling together to do all they can to save lives in this midst of chaos.

If you are wondering who is working and how you can help, this article is for you!

A Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research team has been on the ground working since April 25. Rehabilitation centers have been set up in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

Their mission has been to wash and treat oiled birds as they were discovered.

In the first weeks after their arrival, only a few birds were being treated each day. Unfortunately, as the crisis has escalated, the numbers have drastically increased. At the end of week 6, over 60 birds were brought to the Louisiana site alone to be washed, rehabilitated and released.

Sadly, there is a promise of more to come......

Praised for being "a wonderful group of committed, concerned and good-hearted people," Audubon volunteers responded immediately by working dockside shifts to assist federal and state wildlife agencies in their recovery and transport of oiled and injured birds.

In an effort to prepare for further damage, specially skilled volunteers are helping to identify and mark fragile coastal areas to protect habitats and nesting areas from damage as clean-up operations become necessary.

The National Audubon Society needs additional volunteers. I have copied the following list for needed volunteers directly from their website:

Volunteer Response Center Staff - scheduling volunteers, identifying and coordinating engagement with new projects, logistical support, arranging training, office management, etc. Coastal Bird Survey - collecting data and photos on bird resources and impacts across the coast according to specific scientific protocols.Wildlife Transport Facilitator -assisting USFWS and Tri-State Bird Rescue with volunteers scheduled in round-the-clock shifts in key locations for injured/oiled wildlife recovery and transport operations throughout the coastal region. Bird Capture and Rescue Materials - volunteers are needed to make nets, cages and other materials to assist trained professionals in oiled bird rescue efforts. Citizen Science Monitoring - submitting electronic information on birds sightings at Important Bird Areas, refuges or sanctuaries to assess population impacts, numbers of target species or species of concern Bird Hotline Operators -- providing on-site bird expertise for our Volunteer Response Center as well as possibly in field offices of BP, Tri-State Bird Rescue and others involved in response efforts to address issues related to bird sightings, handling, species identification, etc.

The Louisiana staff of the NWF has been working to get the word out about what is really happening on the Gulf Coast and about the spill's impacts on Gulf wildlife.

The National Wildlife Federation is asking for volunteers to observe the more than 10,000 miles of shoreline along the Gulf Coast. Find out more or sign up at: National Wildlife Federation Volunteer Gulf Coast Surveillance Teams

You can also donate to the NWF at: National Wildlife Federation

If you don't see your opinion in the options, choose the one closest to your opinion and let your voice be heard!

Tell Us What You Think About the Oil Spill. Personally, I have started referring to it as the Oil Flood.

There are several organizations who are preparing to get involved in their areas. These are the dedicated groups who are waiting to go to work when needed.

In Alabama: Mobile Baykeeper

The purpose of this article is to broadcast "who" is actually on the ground working. All too often, frauds and money making schemes follow a tragedy and the donations never reach the victims. My only focus in this article is to share the names of the organizations who are there and who need the funds or help we are willing to give.

I am also concerned about the human suffering brought on by this crisis and I am deeply distressed over the loss of human life. If you know of organizations who are helping with any relief efforts, please share the information in the guest book below.

The photo was taken in Gulf Shores, Alabama.