SEAL SEASON OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY AT MMSC
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center Needs Donations for New – Seal season is officially underway for the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The non-profit based in Brigantine, Atlantic County, has responded to multiple calls and reports of seals on beaches and currently is caring for five harbor seals. Most of the animals being cared for right now are yearlings and will get some time to rest and recuperate before being released.
While it’s not uncommon to have seals coming in to the facility this time of year, there are concerns about the truck the MMSC staff uses to transport the animals to and from the center. The Ford F550 that was purchased by MMSC in 1999 and specially outfitted for their needs is rusting out and beyond repair. Officials fear that the truck will break down while transporting an animal, which could have fatal consequences for the sea creature. They are looking to purchase a new truck as quickly as possible but between operational costs of keeping the center up and running, along with feeding and caring for animals, they are still far from having enough money for this major expense. The truck they need costs more than $100,000.
They are hoping that the community will rally and help them raise enough funds that will allow them to buy a new truck so they can keep doing what they do best – rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured marine mammals. Those who want to donate towards to the truck must specify so when making a donation.
Meanwhile, with seal season just getting started, officials want to offer an important reminder.
Seals may look cute but they are wild animals. They can be dangerous and should be treated as such. A frightened seal is unpredictable and will lash out when necessary. If you spot a seal or other marine mammal on the beach, you should:
· contact the MMSC immediately by calling (609) 266-0538
· stay at least 50 feet away from the animal
· keep pets away from the animal
· take a cell phone picture to help MMSC staff with documentation
To learn more about the Marine Mammal Stranding Center or to make a donation, visitmmsc.org.
**For photos of the seals currently being cared for of the truck that needs to be replaced, visit
https://app.box.com/s/22elm69ebrf4qsem1lr2tsql003ea99t
About The Marine Mammal Stranding Center
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is a private non-profit organization based in Brigantine, New Jersey. Since the Center’s founding in 1978 staff and volunteers have responded to 5000 calls for whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that washed ashore on New Jersey beaches. These animals range from a five-pound Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle to a 25-ton Humpback Whale.
