As record numbers of cold-stunned sea turtles strand on Cape Cod, the National Marine Life Center needs help to be able to accept some of those animals. Last minute construction money is need for to NMLC to get a temporary certificate of occupation.
The town of Bourne, where NMLC is located, is doing everything it can to push the process ahead but without another $200,000 the National Marine Life Center won’t be able to admit patients or have staff and volunteers work in the new building.
2007 building collapse hurt National Marine Life Center’s progress
Two years ago the ceiling of the building the National Marine Life Center was occupying collapsed, halting their interim sea turtle rehabilitation work. Last year the center was able to move tanks into the area normally occupied by the Discovery Center for the winter. This meant the Discovery Center and gift shop, sources of some of the facility’s income, had to remain closed until late in the spring.
(See below for a video by David M. Stone of an NMLC sea turtle release)
New Marine Animal Hospital needs funding to open for cold–stunned sea turtles
Now the rehabilitation tanks are in the new building, but wiring and plumbing work needs to be completed before cold–stunned sea turtles can be admitted. Executive Director Kathy Zagzebski expressed frustration over the delays and concern that the National Marine Life Center is unable to step in as other facilities reach capacity.
National Marine Life Center will care for sea turtles, seals, dolphins and whales
Once completed, the National Marine Life Center will also be able to accept stranded seals, dolphins and, eventually, small whales for rehabilitation. Cape Cod is also a hotspot for marine mammal strandings, so being able to care for the seals and cetaceans which need medical attention right on the Cape will be a great improvement.
How to donate to NMLC’s Emergency Campaign
- Go online to The National Marine Life Center’s website
- Use GoodSearch/GoodShop & chose NMLC to benefit you surf the web and shop online
- Join in the fun at NMLC’s Holiday Splash Saturday December 12 from 10 am – 2pm
- Become a member and be part of National Marine Life Center activities
Comments
Thank you, Dawn!
I had an amazing few days in Trinidad, watching the huge turtles lay their eggs, and the babies from earlier in the season climb out of the sand and head to the water. How do these turtles know where to go and where to return to?
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