Mystic
Aquarium program saves marine animals
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| Jasper at Blue Shutters Beach. Photo courtesy of Mystic Aquarium |
After
spending much of the spring recuperating at Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue
Clinic, Jasper, a male harp seal that
was rescued in Falmouth, ME on March 8, became the latest in a long-line of
success stories as a result of the partnership between Marine Mammals of Maine
and Mystic Aquarium.
Weighing in at a hardy 95 pounds upon arrival to the
Animal Rescue Clinic, Jasper was still severely dehydrated and suffering from
pneumonia.
Following
nearly three months of specialized care
from Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team, the approximately 1-2 year old harp
seal was fully recovered; weighing in at more than 105 pounds.
Jasper
wasted no time dashing quickly to the shore and into the surf at Blue Shutter’s
Beach in Charlestown, RI for a successful release.
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,
a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, 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.
Learn more
at MysticAquarium.org.
