Sanctuary: the Last Stand for Sharks is just one of more than 50 films featured in the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival

SAN FRANCISCO ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
1200 15th Street
415-554-6364, www.sfgov.org/acc
First and Third Thursday – Free Pet Fixes for Needy Families: No appointment necessary, but pets accepted first-come first-serve. One pet per family; dogs and cats only; no dogs over 80 lbs. and no pets over 8 years old. Pets must fast from midnight on the night before surgery and be current on vaccinations; pets may drink water after midnight. First Thursday: 8–9 a.m. at Pet Camp (525 Phelps St.). Third Thursday: 8–9 a.m. at SFACC. Questions: 650-340-7022 ext. 387

Disaster Animal Response Team (DART)Training: This free four-session training course is designed for NERT graduates who want to be involved in helping animals after a disaster – includes pet first aid certification. You must attend all four sessions and complete FEMA online courses to be certified. Saturdays March 10, 17, 31, and April 21. RSVP to Dr. Bing Dilts (415-554-9417 or dr.bing.[email protected]).

SF/SPCA
2500 16th Street
415-522-3000, www.sfspca.org
Free Spay/Neuter Surgery for All Pit Bulls and Pit Mixes: San Francisco residents interested in scheduling a sterilization appointment for their pit bull or pit mix can call 415-554-3030 or visit www.sfspca.org/pit.

Mar. 22 – 16th Bark & Whine Ball: CLAW (Critter Lovers at Work), an all-volunteer support group of the SF/SPCA, will host this special benefit. You and your dog are invited to walk the red carpet at the Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, to party with more than 500 guests and their dogs. All proceeds from the ball will benefit the Cinderella Fund, which helps the neediest shelter pets with medical care. Tickets $150 and up.
Mar. 26–30 & Apr. 9–13 – Spring Break Animal Camp I & II: Kids will learn how to train and care for animals, be responsible animal guardians, and make their community a safer place for pets – and the shelter animals will love the attention and TLC. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, $400 tuition. Camp I is for grades 1–4, Camp II is for grades 5–8.

SAN FRANCISCO ZOO
1 Zoo Road
415-753-7073, www.sfzoo.org
Mar. 3 – Researching and Conserving Bay Area Pumas: Zara McDonald, executive director of the Felidae Conservation Fund, will delve into puma research and conservation, revealing the visuals, stories and science of the Bay Area Puma Project. Recommended for ages 12 and above. Noon–1:30 p.m.

Mar. 23–30 & Apr. 2–6 – Spring Zoo Camp: Zoo Camp gives kids Pre-K through 5th grade a chance to discover and learn about the active lives of animals in the springtime. It’s a busy time of year as they build nests, find food, and care for their babies. Camp combines zoo tours with animal-themed crafts, games, and up-close animal encounters. PreK–K, 9 a.m.–noon, $230/week; Grades 1–5, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $315/week. Preregistration required.

RANDALL MUSEUM
199 Museum Way
415-554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org
Saturdays – Meet the Animals: The Randall Museum is home to over 100 animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Each Saturday at 11 a.m., a special selection of Randall Museum animal ambassadors will venture from their cages, pens, and perches to greet museum visitors up close. Kids and their families can meet rodents and amphibians; check out a Harris’ Hawk; and maybe even touch a tortoise.

Mar. 3 – Sperm Whale Soiree: The Sperm Whale Soiree is an adults-only evening celebrating the sperm whale – with lectures, audio presentations, whale-themed art activities, DJ, live jazz, cocktails and spectacular night views of the City! Tickets are $25, advance purchase required – call 415-561-6622 ext. 308 or e-mail justin.[email protected].

Mar. 15 – Return of the Harbor Porpoises: Harbor porpoises had been missing from San Francisco Bay since Word War II, but they’ve returned in increasing numbers in recent years. Bill Keener, co-founder of Golden Gate Cetacean Research, will discuss their disappearance and the mystery of their return. Free at 7:30 p.m. Geared for adults but all ages welcome.

MORE THINGS TO CHIRP ABOUT...

9th Annual S.F. Ocean Film Festival
Mar. 8–11
Aquarium of the Bay, Pier 39
Widely acknowledged as the largest and most diverse festival of its kind, this a four-day festival features more than 50 ocean-inspired films from independent filmmakers around the world. Selections range from documentaries to animations to narratives, and topics include surfing, sharks, sailing, the environment, marine wildlife, adventure, coastal cultures, and more. Adults $12/seniors $10/children $8 for individual programs, $95–$150 for festival pass. Tickets can be purchased at www.oceanfilmfest.org or at the aquarium.

Run for the Seals
Mar. 10, 8 a.m.
Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
This two-mile or four-mile fun run/walk set in the picturesque Marin Headlands is open to all ages – perfect for families, runners, walkers, and power-strollers. Dogs on leashes are welcome too! Afterwards, you’re invited to the center for educational tours. $35 pre-registration/$45 day-of race. Register online by Mar. 7 and receive a free race t-shirt. Entry fees support the center and its patients. 415-289-7325, www.runfortheseals.org