“If someone is out walking and they see a stranded animal on the beach, they can call our hotline number and we will call an island volunteer responder. We have a 24 hour hotline and get calls pretty frequently. We rely heavily on our first responders for help.”
That’s how Sarah Callan, Assistant Manager of Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program, began her presentation on how to become a first responder for stranded marine mammals on Block Island. Those in attendance were asked to sign up as first responders who could be notified by the Aquarium if their assistance was needed.
The training occurred on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Island Free Library, with the event drawing in both islanders and visitors for the presentation.
Mystic Aquarium’s responder program has been traveling to locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Fisher’s Island, New York, where the trainers hold sessions for the public to learn how to help injured or stranded animals, and how to identify certain species.
Mystic Aquarium follows federal rules and regulations when it comes to rescue and rehabilitation efforts for cetaceans, seals, and sea turtles. Enacted in
