manatee returned to wild in Mandarin

 1,650-pound mammal was rehabilitated from injuries suffered earlier this year because of the cold.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid10363234001?bctid=628246178001

Working it out

Well, I have been plugging away at my studies.  It has been paying off; so far I have all As!  And I plan to keep them there.  I also started doing some volunteer work that will be beneficial to my goal.  It has been fun and definitely a learning experience for me.  Based on what I have done so far I have been able to gain a better grasp on the speciality I'd like to focus on, and that would be rescue, rehab/release and research.  With this in mind I am going to switch my volunteer time to working with a stranding team.  I am very excited about this!
I have also started to look into research opportunities, and found some interesting programs where you do research as an independent study, which would in turn allow me to use it for college credit.  I like this idea very much - killing two birds with one stone :)  I am going to chase this idea down, for sure.
And finally, I had a great day shadowing the staff veterinarian for the VA Aquarium.  I followed as he checked on the sea turtles, harbor seals, sea rays, river otters, birds, etc.  It was truly amazing to see and I hope I get to shadow again soon.  I am also still looking for volunteer opportunities with a vet practice or clinic.  I hope that some of my current volunteer work may help lead me to some work with a vet.
That's the latest!

Beautiful Baby Blue Whale Caught on film. Amazing!!!!

A baby blue whale (shown with photographer) filmed off Costa Rica may be the first to have been photographed underwater and adds to evidence that a blue whale hot spot in the Pacific Ocean is a birthing ground for the endangered species.