Beside the "in depth" tour of the CIMWI facility, we were shown a very large tree, which the institute would like to have marine mammals carved into. The tree was burned during one of the fires of 1994, but it still remains intact in the ground. It stands over 18 ft. tall, featuring unique twisted branches. The Morris B. Squire Foundation is seeking to find solutions to having a series of marine mammals carved into it and sealed.
Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer paintings have been eyed by members, especially this one titled "Sea Lions" http://www.morrissquire.com/#!lacquer/albumphotos7=19
Ashley
Woods Hollister, Executive Director of Morris B. Squire Foundation (on
right) with Ruth Dover, Executive Director and Chief Veterinarian
of Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI). www.cimwi.org
The institute is rapidly growing in size, looking to one day be open to the public at their location in Gaviota, CA (just outside the city of Santa Barbara) at the historic Vista Del Mar Union School. The organization is a member of the California Marine Mammal Stranding Network and continue to grows. All members of the institute are non-paid volunteers.
"The school grounds accommodate outdoor rehabilitation enclosures with pools, while the indoor facilities include a Hospital/Quarantine Room, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Fish Kitchen and Surgery/Treatment Room with a plan for future research facilities, administrative offices and education space." (Source: www.cimwi.org)
