Mystic
Aquarium does it again!
It
was a November morning like no other: Blue Shutters Beach welcomed a crowd of
over 100 people who eagerly awaited the arrival of five harbor seal pups from
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program.
Marigold,
Begonia, Indigo, Viola and Blossom – all named for this year’s theme of flowers
– were considered to be abandoned shortly after birth.
Following
months of rehabilitation, the five pups, now approximately 4 – 5 months old,
were deemed healthy and prepared for life at sea.
Marigold was rescued in Owl’s Head, ME and arrived at Mystic
Aquarium on May 28 weighing 17 pounds.
Begonia was rescued in Kennebunkport, ME
and arrived at Mystic Aquarium on May 28 weighing 20 pounds.
Indigo was rescued
in Harpswell, ME and arrived at Mystic Aquarium on June 1 weighing 16 pounds.
Viola was rescued in Falmouth, ME and arrived at Mystic Aquarium
on June 26 weighing 16 pounds.
Upon release, all five seals weighed more
than 50 pounds each.
At
Mystic Aquarium, learning about marine animals is great, coming eye-to-eye with
them is even better, but being part of helping marine animals in need is the
best.
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program is supported by a network of
First Responder volunteers who are dedicated to doing just that.
With
a coverage area spanning 1,000 miles between CT, RI and Fisher’s Island, NY,
the Animal Rescue Program’s First Responder volunteers are vital to the animal
rescue process and are able to get to beaches faster than the Program’s teams
at Mystic Aquarium.
The
Animal Rescue Program is always looking for more First Responder volunteers and
is currently offering free training courses.
Those interested in joining the
network of Mystic Aquarium’s First Responders can register for the November 17
training in RI or the November 20 training at Mystic Aquarium by visiting
MysticAquarium.org.
