# @kirstenalana on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvKq-BBkQx
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/2429576-kirstenalana-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/8b6743b389.jpg
- **Posted:** 2019-07-10T12:54:54.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kirsten Alana (@KirstenAlana) — https://gondola.cc/KirstenAlana

## Caption

That first sight of the ocean between dune grasses, the first taste of salty breeze... it has forever been changed for me, by the experience I had on Cape Cod {hosted} with @action4ifaw & @kintravel
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On the 2nd day of our trip {that you too can book for Aug or Sep}, we spent half the day with Katie, Sarah & Brian at one of the IFaW centers where deployment and then later research happens whenever there are whales, dolphins or seals stranded on the Cape. Which, we learned, is quite often. The particular geography of Cape Cod that makes it such a wonderful summer vacation destination for so many here in the USA and the dramatic tides that have lent the area an air of mystery and mysticism going back to whaling days and beyond - can actually wreak havoc on the safety of pinnipeds and cetaceans that call the nearby ocean... home. That plus an increase in fishing by human beings using methods and materials that can cause dramatic harm, means IFaW works basically 365 days a year helping marine mammals as well as doing research and conducting studies to ensure that now and in the future, we can all co-exist to the benefit of all & the detriment of none.
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I was naive enough to think before we had this experience that the job might not be *that* hard or the problem *that* bad. But then I saw the photos of seals and whales trapped in fishing line and rope. Photos that made me weep. And I tried to help lift a training dolphin the way rescuers might have to on a beach. Even as part of a team it was not easy. And it was just one task of thousands that they do.
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Danté & I have made huge changes in our life to ensure we’re being more responsible citizens of this 🌏. We have a lot more that we still want to do. But we can’t do it all. I’m so grateful to have learned about what IFaW is doing for #peopleandplanet  Things I may never be able to do for mammals that I still care a lot about. As for you? Donate to help their work, book this same trip with Kin to learn for yourself, or volunteer with IFaW if you have relevant experience! 🐬 #kintravel #pushforprogress // photos by @valoriedarling 💙

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## Tags

kintravel, peopleandplanet, pushforprogress

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