Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

Since 1976, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration has been rescuing stranded marine mammals, from the smallest seals to whales.

In all, the Aquarium has responded to more than 875 stranding calls from the public, treating more than 375 marine mammals and releasing more than 175 that would have died had they been left on the shore.

Call the aquarium's 24-hour Marine Animal Rescue Hotline at 860.572.5955 ext.107. Leave your name and a phone number where you can be reached.

• Do not touch the animal. All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This law makes it illegal to touch, disturb, feed or otherwise harass marine mammals without authorization.
• A beached whale, dolphin or porpoise should be reported immediately and left alone pending further instruction.
• Give the animal plenty of space. Crowding stresses the animal and may cause it to act aggressively.
• Keep pets away from the stranded animal. Not only can they bite and cause injury to the animal, but may be injured by the animal. Diseases can also be transmitted between stranded animals and pets.
• Do not pour water on a seal, feed it, cover it or attempt to move it into the water. It is normal for seals to come ashore to rest - they often choose to be dry.
• Be observant. Take note of any obvious signs of injury, the overall body condition of the animal (is it robust or emaciated?), identification tags, the presence of other animals (especially important with dolphins), the sea state and recognizable landmarks that will make it possible to locate the animal.

Why do marine mammals come ashore?