Monday, November 21, 2016

Three seals to be released tomorrow at Blue Shutters Beach

A busy year for Mystic’s Marine Animal Rescue folks
By Will Collette

I took this photo at an earlier release. The moment they hit the water
is the stuff of celebration
Another group of harbor seals are ready to be released after having been rescued and rehabilitated by the good people at Mystic Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue program.

The release is scheduled for 10:00am, Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Charlestown’s Blue Shutters Beach on East Beach Road.

Here are details from Stevi Bramich at Mystic:

The number of successful seal releases continues to climb this year for Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program. With 20 successful releases thus far, the Animal Rescue Team will release three more harbor seals, Pyrite, Beryl and Ivory, on Tuesday morning.

NOTE: most of these seals were released in the waters off Charlestown.


Each harbor seal pup, approximately 5 - 6 months of age, was rescued by the Marine Mammals of Maine before being transported to Mystic Aquarium.

Pyrite was abandoned shortly after birth and was rescued in Southport, ME; arriving at Mystic Aquarium on May 8 weighing approximately 18 pounds. He currently weighs more than 60 pounds.

Beryl was found in thin body condition and was rescued in Wells, ME; arriving at Mystic Aquarium on August 28 weighing approximately 30 pounds. He currently weighs more than 52 pounds.

Ivory was also found in thin body condition and was rescued in Scarborough, ME; arriving at Mystic Aquarium on August 28 weighing approximately 24 pounds. She currently weighs more than 48 pounds.

Now healthy and prepared for life at sea, the seals are ready for release. Please join us on the beach and celebrate their return to their ocean environment.

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 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.

About Mystic Aquarium
A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Mystic Aquarium is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. 

Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. 

The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. Mystic Aquarium receives major support from United Technologies Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and Foxwoods Resort Casino. 

Learn more at MysticAquarium.org.