History

Cape Cod is a stranding hotspot.  Each year, up to 56 live seals, 98 live dolphins, and 144 live sea turtles strand on our beaches, sick, injured, and in need of medical care.

In 1995, a group of visionaries gathered to address the significant environmental need of a hospital to care for these stranded animals, many of whom are endangered and all of whom are federally-protected species.  And thus, the National Marine Life Center was born.

We honor and thank our founding board, especially founding chair Elizabeth Hornor and her successor Townsend Hornor, for their tremendous efforts to get the National Marine Life Center off the ground.  We continue to work tirelessly to build and implement their vision.

Elizabeth S. "Betsy" Hornor

Townsend "Townie" Hornor

Founding Board:
Joseph Carlson
Dr. Joseph Geraci
Betsy Hornor (deceased) – Founding Chair
Townsend Hornor (deceased)
Sallie Riggs
Michael Stusse
Brad Towle (deceased)
Patsy Towle

To donate to the Elizabeth S. Hornor Memorial Fund, which helps fund our marine animal rehabilitation program, please click here.

To donate to the Townsend Hornor Memorial Fund, which helps fund our marine animal hospital construction project, please click here.