Four young seals released from Charlestown’s Blue Shutters Beach

Mystic Aquarium does it again!

This morning, Blue Shutters Beach in Charlestown, RI was greeted by the warm sun, calm surf and encouraging crowd as Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program released four harbor seals. 

The four pups - Flax, Larkspur, Sunflower and Buttercup - were rescued by Marine Mammals of Maine before being transferred to Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Clinic.

Flax was rescued from Bustin’s Island, Freeport, ME, and was considered to be abandoned shortly after birth, arriving at Mystic Aquarium on May 28. 

Larkspur was rescued in Harpswell, ME, and Sunflower was rescued from Isle of Springs, ME. Both pups were also considered to be abandoned shortly after birth and arrived at Mystic Aquarium on June 1. 

Buttercup was rescued in Little Diamond Island, Portland, ME, and was found malnourished and suffering from pneumonia, arriving at Mystic Aquarium on July 15.

Following months of rehabilitation, the four pups, now approximately 4 – 5 months old, were deemed healthy and prepared for life at sea.

Mystic Aquarium’s animal care specialists have also been making waves in Alaska and North Carolina as well.

For the past two weeks, Carey Richard, Supervisor of Cetaceans and Pinnipeds, has been collaborating with staff from five other accredited facilities to provide 24-hour care to an orphaned beluga calf. 

After being found in Western Cook Inlet, Alaska on September 30, the calf was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center under permit by NOAA. He has been receiving around-the-clock care from animal care experts with professional experience caring for beluga whales to ensure the calf has the very best chance at survival.

Earlier this week, Mystic Aquarium Aquarists Stephanie Golding and Samantha Poulin drove from Mystic Aquarium to North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores with a loggerhead sea turtle named Cedar in tow. 

Cedar had been in Mystic Aquarium’s care since October 2016 as part of North Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Awareness Program. Following a year of care, Cedar was released into North Carolina’s open ocean this past Wednesday.

To learn more about Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program or ways to support Mystic Aquarium’s mission to protect the ocean planet, visit MysticAquarium.org.