video by dre pedemonte
planet forward mystic aquarium fellow | george washington university
planet forward mystic aquarium fellow | george washington university
the mystic aquarium in connecticut has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals for 50 years.
on june 11, the aquarium’s animal rescue team returned two gray seals — caterpillar and beetle, both approximately 3 months old — to the ocean following months at the animal rescue clinic. their release marks the final step in a recovery process made possible by the collaboration of the rescue team, incredible veterinary staff, and hardworking volunteers.
young caterpillar was rescued in delaware by the marine education, research and rehabilitation institute (merr) on march 27 after being found on the beach with nasal discharge, coughing, and several wounds. fortunately, he was triaged at the national aquarium before being transferred to mystic aquarium on april 1. meanwhile, beetle was rescued locally from block island, rhode island, after sadly being found with monofilament wrapped around her neck cutting into the skin and tissue.
at the aquarium’s clinic, both gray seals received dedicated care. caterpillar was given fluids for hydration, antibiotics for pneumonia, and a dewormer for parasites. beetle, on the other hand, was disentangled, given antibiotics for an infection, fluids for hydration, and wound care for the lacerations around her neck.
thankfully, after two months, veterinary and rehabilitation experts deemed them healthy and fit for release!
each year, mystic aquarium’s animal rescue team rehabilitates an average of 25 stranded or injured seals — particularly from around the block island area. remarkably, the program has already rehabilitated 20 seals since the start of 2025.
most common cases involve entanglement, pneumonia and other infections, predator and conspecific inflicted wounds, malnutrition, and a variety of other health concerns. these efforts are part of the aquarium’s broader mission to protect and conserve marine wildlife.
ultimately, the release of these animals underscores the crucial role of rescue and rehabilitation programs for our aquatic species, serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for ocean stewardship.
if you come across an injured or stranded marine animal, contact your local office: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report.
planet forward mystic aquarium fellow | george washington university
mandela washington fellow | notre dame university
planet forward sr. correspondent | tuskegee university
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