Block Island is home to a diverse list of marine mammals, especially seal species. But sometimes, marine mammals on the island need to be rescued or have their health assessed, which is where Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program and Clinic comes into play.
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program, established in 1975, has been “rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick, stranded or injured marine animals” ever since its opening, as stated on its website. The program sees to marine mammals along the coastline throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and Fishers Island, New York to gain a sense of why the animals came to shore.
The Block Island Times spoke by phone recently with Assistant Manager of the Animal Rescue Program Sarah Callan, who provided background on the program and her connection to the island community through the rescue program. Block Island currently has first responders available for Mystic Aquarium’s rescue program, such as resident Jules Craynock, who provide an avenue of communication between the aquarium and the island.
“I have been with the program almost five years to the day. I grew up in Connecticut, and came to Rhode Island a lot as a child. My passion is with the animals,