Mystic Aquarium to
release rescued seal tomorrow morning
By Will Collette
The Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue program announced its
final seal release for 2016. It will take place at Blue Shutters Beach off East
Beach Road at 10 AM (more or less).
A young harbor seal named Sunstone will be the 24th
rescued and rehabilitated seal released this year, nearly all from Charlestown’s
beaches.
Sunstone was rescued in Kennebunk,
ME by the Marine Mammals of Maine before being transferred to Mystic Aquarium’s
Animal Rescue Clinic on September 9.
Weighing around 28 pounds, Sunstone arrived with several
facial wounds that were in need of treatment. After over three months of
medical care, the approximately 8 – 9 month old harbor seal has healed well and
currently weighs more than 62 pounds
Now healthy and prepared for life at sea, Sunstone will be
the 24th seal released by Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program
this year.
The folks at Mystic Aquarium do good work. It’s great that
they use Charlestown as their preferred release spot to give residents and
visitors – and especially kids – a chance to see the culmination of the Animal
Rescue Program’s work.
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 CT, RI or
Fishers Island, NY.
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.
