National Marine Life Center

Posted by Kathy Zagzebski on Jun 16, 2013

Cool Stuff Dolphins To Kick Off Filming Of Its 2nd Show; children 6-12 urged to audition

Purple Turtle’s television production team will return to Cape Cod and partner once again with the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) to produce Cool Stuff Dolphins. The educational television program and web series’ second installment will include a new cast of kids and host, and will involve viewers in the exciting world of dolphins: The science and research that dolphins are helping us to explore,...

Posted by Allison Ludtke on Jun 13, 2013

Townsend Passes Final Inspection!

This morning, the NMLC team journeyed to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Computerized Scanning and Imaging Facility for a CT scan (CAT scan, a medical imaging procedure that uses computer-processed x-rays to produce slices of specific areas of the body) for Townsend, our harbor seal. A rarity at best for most seals, this was Townsend’s third journey to WHOI over the past six months....

Posted by Dimitria on Jun 12, 2013

What is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

Reptiles require sunlight to truly flourish. Most reptile species do not absorb Vitamin D very well, so exposure to ultraviolet light is needed for reptiles to manufacture their own Vitamin D. This is something very important to keep in mind because Vitamin D (especially D3, the active form of Vitamin D) is vital to calcium metabolism. A lack of Vitamin D can result in metabolic bone disease (MBD), also...

Posted by Allison Ludtke on Jun 9, 2013

Townsend Needs Your Help! Funding for SPOT Tag Prior to Release

Townsend is a juvenile male harbor seal that stranded on September 6, 2012 in Old Orchard Beach, Maine suffering from respiratory distress and cuts to his face and chin. He was transferred to us from the University of New England’s Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center on October 9, 2012. Upon arrival, discharge was observed from Townsend’s left ear. It was assumed he may be suffering from middle...

Posted by Allison Ludtke on Jun 9, 2013

Meet Our New Patient: Lucky the Gray Seal

Lucky is a male gray seal weanling, rescued from Gloucester by the New England Aquarium after being monitored several days. Admitted on May 30th, he arrived with wounds on his flippers, severe dehydration and was severely underweight. This past Tuesday he underwent his first weekly “rounds” exam. Although he is still in poor condition, through use of antibiotics, fluids and tube feeding, he...

Posted by Allison Ludtke on Jun 9, 2013

Howland’s Release on Scusset Beach is a Success

On Tuesday, June 4th, at 6pm, the sun lit up the sky beautifully, a light pink dusk lurking in the midst. Cars piled into the parking lot of Scusset Beach, with the noticeable royal blue t-shirts of the NMLC staff scattered throughout, informing the crowd of Howland’s incredible progress over the past six weeks and what to expect in the moments leading up to the release. Howland, a grey seal, was...

Posted by Allison Ludtke on Jun 1, 2013

2013 Red Bellied Cooter Turn-In Measures Progress in MA

On Thursday, May 30th, endangered red bellied cooters from across the state gathered at the National Marine Life Center for their annual “turn-in”: a culmination of the Head-Start program. The Head-Start program works with local conservation organizations, such as NMLC, who welcome hatchlings in the fall and provide warm water and food for 8 months to promote growth among the turtles. Kept in...

Posted by Allison Ludtke on May 28, 2013

2013 Feet, Fins and Flippers 5K Recap

The NMLC would like to thank everyone who came to the National Marine Life Center’s 2013 Feet Fins and Flippers 5K! Despite the chilly weather, we had an amazing turnout. We are so thankful for the dedication of those who support NMLC! The race began promptly at 9am, with some finishing in less than 18 minutes. Although early and cold, smiles were in full effect. We had a total number of 268 participants...