Education
Meet the Diamondback Terrapin: Massachusetts’ Salt Marsh Turtle
The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is the only turtle in Massachusetts that is predominantly found in salt marshes and estuaries. In Massachusetts, the northern diamond-backed terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) is…
Read MoreMeet the Northern Red-Bellied Cooter: An Endangered Turtle Getting a Head Start
(Pseudemys rubriventris) is the largest basking turtle in Massachusetts. The only larger freshwater turtle is the common snapping turtle. An adult Northern Red-bellied Cooter shell length ranges from 10-13 inches,…
Read MoreMeet Daisy and Victor: NMLC’s Box Turtle Ambassadors
Daisy and Victor are permanent residents at NMLC after previously being kept illegally as part of the wildlife trade. Because they were housed with turtle species from around the world—and…
Read MoreAmazing Seal Adaptations
I am one of the interns working at the NMLC this summer, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity of assisting in the rehabilitation of fascinating marine and aquatic…
Read MoreThe Two Different Kinds of Whales in the World: Toothed Whales vs. Baleen Whales
There are about 86 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the world’s oceans, and they are divided into two distinct groups: Mysticetes (baleen whales) and Odontocetes (toothed whales). There…
Read MoreThe Importance of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972
Enacted by Congress in October of 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is extremely important for the conservation of many marine mammal species. At the time of the law’s…
Read MoreIs it a turtle, a terrapin, or a tortoise?
Recently, the National Marine Life Center welcomed Lindsay, a diamondback terrapin, to the family. Two Eastern box turtles, Daisy and Violet, are also NMLC residents in the Discovery Center. Next…
Read MoreMarine Animal Medical Mystery
The last week at the National Marine Life Center has been full of excitement. With summer in full swing and lots of families heading to the Cape for a getaway,…
Read MoreHow Can You Tell Which Whale You Are Looking At?
We use the name whale for about 70 kinds of animals. So how can you tell who is who? Not all 70 kinds live in the area around Cape Cod.…
Read MoreWhat is a Whale’s Spout?
Is a whale’s a fountain of water? Both whales and people use lungs and noses to breathe air. But because whales live in the water their noses and lungs work…
Read MoreHow Do Whales Breathe?
Because whales live in the ocean, many people think they are fish. But do you know that whales and dolphins are not fish? They are mammals. People are mammals too.…
Read MoreAre Whales Fish?
Whales are not fish. But how do you know? You can tell the difference by watching the animal and asking yourself three questions: Does its body move sideways or up…
Read MoreHow Do Whales and Dolphins Swim?
How would you describe the shape of a whale or dolphin? Wouldn’t you say they are very streamlined? Very few appendages (like your arms and legs) stick out to slow…
Read MoreWhere Did Whales Come From?
When you’re watching the actions of the biggest creatures on earth, ask about what animals they are related to. Are they fish? Are they related to sharks? Are they related…
Read MoreHow do Whales Eat?
What you would eat if you lived in the ocean? If you said fish and squid, you’d be right. But there’s a second correct answer – some whales eat ocean…
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