Despite the recession construction begins on new
National Marine Life Center facility
The National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay on Cape Cod is going ahead with an important building project despite the present economic situation. While the Center has a significant part of the funds it needs already in place, the decision to go forward was not easy.
NMLC’s mission to care for stranded marine animals and to educate
A hospital for marine wildlife and an education center teaching the public about the marine animals of Cape Cod, the National Marine Life Center came into being to address the lack of facilities capable of caring for stranded marine animals in the area. Despite Cape Cod’s being a stranding hotspot for whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles, the nearest places that can take animals requiring medical care are hours away.
Public education and outreach are another important part of the National Marine Life Center mission. The Visitor Center has interactive exhibits on marine animals and NMLC has a strong outreach program.
National Marine Life Center’s need for a new building
The warehouse in Buzzard’s Bay, where the National Marine Life Center began its activities in 1995, was not in great repair but NMLC staff made do with at least a roof over the animals. Then in 2007 that roof collapsed and the Center was forced to close its hospital temporarily. When the Visitor Center, under a separate roof, closed for the winter much of its space was taken over by animal care staff, allowing them to accept cold stunned sea turtles in the fall of 2008.
National Marine Life Center moves forward cautiously
Construction of the National Marine Life Center’s new animal care facility began in spring 2009. Work will be completed in phases depending on funding. The visitor center will reopen for the 2009 summer season on Memorial Day weekend.
With support from the town, which sees the potential for increasing tourist traffic in Buzzard’s Bay when the National Marine Life Center is fully functional, and the decision not to replace some staff positions when they came open, the Center has been able to continue with their construction effort.
The smaller staff means that everyone is doing at least double duty but the close-knit team has a ‘whatever it takes’ enthusiasm for their mission.When asked whether she was concerned about going forward with construction in these tough economic times, Executive Director Kathy Zagzebski replied,
“Does it keep me up nights? Yes. But with this team I really believe we can do it”.
The public can help by donating directly to the National Marine Life Center or visiting the NMLC Discovery Center, which is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm daily from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day and on weekends through Veteran's Day. Check for special events in fall and winter.
National Marine Life Center 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay MA Phone: 508-743-9888
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