Mystic Aquarium
Animal Rescue Program
Mystic Aquarium responds to reports of live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles along the shores of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Fishers Island, N.Y. A rehabilitation facility is operated for pinnipeds, and occasionally cetaceans and sea turtles. Interns should be working toward a degree in marine biology, veterinary medicine or a related field. Recent graduates seeking experience in these fields are accepted. There is a minimum requirement of 40 hours per week and it is a 12 week internship. Interns must be motivated and responsible and have computer experience, organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work well with others.
Daily Duties
- Work with both live and dead pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea turtles. Work may be done under extremely adverse weather conditions.
- Assist in the collection of Level A data for the NOAA Fisheries Service
- Assist in rescue and salvage responses
- Participate in post-mortem work and necropsies
- Assist in care for animals undergoing rehabilitation
- Assist in weekly seal physicals
- Complete a project for the animal rescue program
- Composting: An Eco-Friendly and Cost Efficient Mortality Disposal Method by Melissa Wands
- Evaluating cortisol levels in harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups undergoing rehabilitation by Jackman Eschenroeder & Robyn Lee
- Cross-Seasonal Nutritional Study of Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Pup Formula from 2009-2012 by Melinda Kilty
- Assessing Public Awareness and Interest in the Seal Rescue Clinic Display by Meghana Pendruthi
