Mystic Aquarium

Since opening in 1973, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut has played a vital role in marine animal rescue along the northeastern U.S. coast. It quickly became a responder to seal strandings, rehabilitating and releasing primarily harbor and grey seals, with harp and hooded seals occasionally arriving from colder northern waters. Today, Mystic collaborates closely with other stranding response facilities, and many of the animals it releases are fitted with satellite tags – allowing researchers to track their post-rehab journeys through the Atlantic.

In addition to its rescue efforts, the aquarium is home to several resident seals and sea lions (some of them non-releasable rescue animals), featured in exhibits that connect the public with marine conservation up close.