20th release of the
year by the Mystic Aquarium
By Will Collette
 |
| On September 13, there was high drama when Mystic released six seals at the same time at Blue Shutters. Not all of them wanted to go. Photo by Will Collette |
Their names are Potch, Topaz and
Crystal
These seal releases are always fun
to watch and are very popular with kids and their parents.
Mystic reports that they have already
treated and released 17 seals so far this year. Most have been released in
Charlestown.
I have read and heard some
push-back from disgruntled people who think we already have too many seals.
Some fishermen don’t like seals because they eat fish. Others
complain they attract more sharks.
To me, this is the cycle of life.
Even if Mystic releases another 20 seals before the end of the year, I do not
see that as a threat to our local eco-system. It’s a big ocean.
Here is more information about the
seals and about the Mystic Aquarium rescue program.
- Potch was rescued by the Marine Mammals of Maine on Long Island in Friendship, ME; arriving at Mystic Aquarium on May 31. He currently weighs 47 pounds.
- Topaz was rescued by the Marine Mammals of Maine in Wells, ME; arriving at Mystic Aquarium on June 12. He currently weighs 60 pounds.
- Crystal was rescued by Mystic Aquarium First Responders in North Kingstown, RI; arriving at the Animal Rescue Clinic on April 20. She currently weighs 57 pounds.
Now healthy and prepared for life
at sea, the pups are ready for release. Please join us on the beach and
celebrate the pups’ return to their ocean environment.
About
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program
Mystic
Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program supports animals in need and educates the public about the marine environment and its
inhabitants. The public is encouraged to call the aquarium’s 24-hour
hotline at 860.572.5955 ext. 107 if they encounter a marine mammal or sea
turtle in Conn., R.I. or Fishers Island, N.Y. Mystic
Aquarium is a founding member of the Northeast Region Stranding Network. This
network in comprised of organizations along the eastern sea coast which have facilities and trained staff to care for sick and
injured animals. Marine Mammals are protected species, so
only groups and facilities authorized by the National
Marine Fisheries Service are permitted to handle these animals.
About
Mystic Aquarium
A nonprofit 501(c)3
organization, Mystic Aquarium is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums
with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals,
including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a
pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range
of marine animals. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care
for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research.
Mystic Aquarium receives major support from United Technologies Corporation,
The Coca-Cola Company and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Learn more at MysticAquarium.org.