Monday, December 19, 2016

Last seal release in Charlestown for 2016

Mystic Aquarium to release rescued seal tomorrow morning
By Will Collette

The Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue program announced its final seal release for 2016. It will take place at Blue Shutters Beach off East Beach Road at 10 AM (more or less).

A young harbor seal named Sunstone will be the 24th rescued and rehabilitated seal released this year, nearly all from Charlestown’s beaches.

Sunstone was rescued in Kennebunk, ME by the Marine Mammals of Maine before being transferred to Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Clinic on September 9.

Weighing around 28 pounds, Sunstone arrived with several facial wounds that were in need of treatment. After over three months of medical care, the approximately 8 – 9 month old harbor seal has healed well and currently weighs more than 62 pounds

Now healthy and prepared for life at sea, Sunstone will be the 24th seal released by Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program this year.

The folks at Mystic Aquarium do good work. It’s great that they use Charlestown as their preferred release spot to give residents and visitors – and especially kids – a chance to see the culmination of the Animal Rescue Program’s work.

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 CT, RI or Fishers Island, NY.  

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.