Animal Rescue Program Reopens with Renewed Focus
Mystic Aquarium
officially resumed operation of its Animal Rescue Program this morning by
safely welcoming back several program volunteers. 
Hope this means a return of seal releases at Charlestown beaches
(photo by Will Collette)
With authority granted by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Mystic Aquarium will
resume its rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and stranded marine
animals along 1,000 miles of coastline throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and
Fishers Island, New York.
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program was shuttered
in March 2020 as a result of the numerous public health restrictions imposed
during Connecticut’s COVID-19 shutdown.
Financial hardship and other operational challenges also impacted the
organization during shutdown and necessitated the program’s extended closure.
Plans are in place to reopen the program with
updated, COVID-specific safety protocols.
“The temporary closure of the Animal Rescue Program was a discouraging consequence of this ongoing global pandemic,” said Dr. Allison Tuttle, Senior Vice President of Zoological Operations. “We are incredibly grateful to once again have the opportunity to provide critically important services to animals in need and to our community at large as part of our stated mission of ocean conservation.”
The resumption of animal rescue operations will also
see Mystic Aquarium expand its conservation impact to include a more robust
response to sea turtles in the region. The Aquarium’s state-of-the art Milne
Ocean Science and Conservation Center will allow animal care professionals to
have a stronger and expanded focus on sea turtle conservation.
“All species of sea turtles are of conservation
concern; making rescue and rehabilitation of even one sea turtle vital to the
species’ survival.” added Tuttle. “We will be working diligently to further
educate the public and expand our first responder training with a focus on sea
turtles as we strive to fill a critical need for endangered sea turtles in our
coverage area and beyond.”
Providing the initial response, First Responders are vital to Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program by helping Aquarium professionals to determine the status of a stranded animal as well as prepare for action when necessary.
Through this training, volunteers also learn how to
properly identify Connecticut and Rhode Island’s marine mammal and sea turtle
species and about federal regulations that ensure the safety of these animals.
First Responder training for volunteers will take
place virtually in the coming weeks and months. Applications for First
Responders are being taken at https://www.mysticaquarium.org/conservation-impact/animal-rescue/