National Aquarium

Since 1991, National Aquarium Animal Rescue has been a cornerstone of marine conservation along the East Coast. Operating under federal permits from NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the program responds to strandings of seals, sea turtles, porpoises, and even manatees, providing both emergency triage and long-term rehabilitation.

Their operations span three key facilities: the iconic National Aquarium at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Animal Care and Rescue Center in historic Jonestown, and the Stranding Response Center in Ocean City, Maryland. The Animal Care and Rescue Center, opened in 2018, is a 56,000-square-foot hub featuring state-of-the-art rehab suites, quarantine units, and even an exhibit fabrication workshop where habitats are custom-built to mimic natural ecosystems. The Ocean City center, added in 2023, enables rapid coastal response and stabilization for seals and sea turtles before transport to Baltimore.

Visitors can book behind-the-scenes tours of the Animal Care and Rescue Center to witness the care and science behind marine animal rehabilitation. From learning how seals are rehydrated with syringes to watching coral habitats being handcrafted, the experience offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous work that goes into restoring ocean life.