As we prepared to move to our new space in Brunswick earlier this year, we were unaware of just how critical our larger facility would prove to be. We were already (literally) moving quickly in the lull between busy stranding seasons, but we couldn’t have known Mystic Aquarium was soon to announce the termination of their seal rescue and rehab program.
Thanks to your support, in 2019 MMoME provided stranding response, rescue, and triage care to over 400 animals. Of those that were rescued, over half were transferred to Mystic, so we had no choice but to figure out how to help fill the void created by the closure of yet another rehab program.
So we jump-started the tedious process of getting permission to increase our own rehab capacity. After updating our equipment and pools and passing the permit inspection (conducted virtually, due to coronavirus restrictions), we got good news; we could begin to compensate for Mystic’s closure by doubling our own capacity to eight.
But as only one of two marine mammal rehab organizations in New England, MMoME’s resources are stretched thin. In addition to the greater number of calls we’re fielding on our hotline this summer, at this point in pupping season, we typically would have already transferred 20 animals to Mystic. Instead, thanks to your help, we’re opening our doors to twice as many pups as we normally do—and being forced to make the heartbreaking decision of which animals we are and aren’t able to take into our facility.
We have so many hurdles to clear, and you have the power to help us with one of the highest. Care for each pup from rescue to release costs around $6,000, but due to the pandemic, grants and donations have become scarce—for our patients, for the live and deceased marine mammals and sea turtles reported to our hotline, and for our research and education programs.
And as we look down the road and begin to consider—again—the option of expanding our facilities and staff to accommodate the needs of more imperiled marine mammals, we need your financial support now more than ever.
Every dollar helps, and we’re so grateful for whatever contribution is in your means to provide!
