Seal Release Friday, March 22 at Blue Shutters Beach
When: Friday, March 22 at 9:00 am
Where: Blue Shutters Beach in Charlestown
What: Release of two seals back to the wild
“Shamrock”
Shamrock is a juvenile female harbor seal who was initially reported stranded in Essex, MA. Although she was active initially, the seal had a large, open wound on her left flank. The seal was rescued on December 15, 2023 and was transferred to Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Clinic. Shamrock’s wound has healed and she is now ready for release!
“Nugget”
Nugget is a yearling male harp seal who stranded at Napatree Conservation Area in Westerly, RI. The seal was minimally responsive and dehydrated and admitted to Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Clinic on February 4, 2024. Now weighing around 31kg, Nugget has recovered well in rehabilitation and is ready for release!
Please remember that seal release dates and times may change without notice.
Learn more about the Animal Rescue Clinic at Mystic Aquarium.
Banner photo of a past seal release by Thomas Tetzner.
March 18, 2024 @ 8:37 am
Thanks for letting us know about the scheduled seal releases. It is usually difficult to find out ahead of time so this is much appreciated!!
March 15, 2024 @ 9:46 am
Can you please tell me why seals are released at Blue Shutters Beach and not where they were found? Or why not in CT where the aquarium is located?
Thank you for your reply.
March 15, 2024 @ 2:32 pm
I can’t speak for Mystic Aquarium, but in 2019, Dr Allison Tuttle, Mystic Aquarium’s Senior Vice President of Zoological Operations, responded to a question in part: ”the release of rescued and rehabilitated seals, approximately 20-25 annually have no impact on the year round seal population in RI. Once released, these rehabilitated animals generally head north to Massachusetts and Maine immediately, confirmed by tracking flipper and satellite tags on the animals. One of the reasons we use the Charlestown locations as release sites is because the seals have a straight path out to open ocean.”