Hi, my name is Ingrid – a keys resident for 13 years and one of the new volunteers at Island Dolphin Care. Before coming to a place with trained dolphins, I was involved with the “Marine Mammal Conservancy” (MMC), a volunteer organization dedicated to save wild dolphins. In March 2005 about a hundred “Rough Toothed Dolphins” beached themselves in the middle keys. MMC took in more than 20 animals to nurse them back to health. Six months (and countless volunteer hours) later we were able to release them into their natural habitat.
While working at MMC, I met Deena and Peter Hoagland. They told me about the concept of IDC and gave me an opportunity to be one of the IDC volunteers. Being a retired teacher for kids with special needs from Germany, they must have thought that I would fit in.
And so I am trying to help: with translations, by teaching the staff a little basic German, by answering questions the parents might have and by helping them find their way around the keys.
I really enjoy my work at IDC and I am proud of my however small contribution to this special place with its tremendously committed staff.