Since 1991, more than 160 marine animals have been treated and returned to their natural habitats by the National Aquarium Animal Rescue team. Seals, dolphins, countless sea turtles, and even Chessie the manatee have all been under the watchful eye of this local rehabilitation program, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The rescue team responds to stranded sea turtles and marine mammals allalong Maryland's 4,000+ miles of coastline. The team is led by manager Jennifer Dittmar, who started as an intern in 2004.
The aquarium is currently caring for 10 animals – a combination of nine green and Kemp's ridleysea turtles and one harbor seal named Megatron. While the seal is being treated for dehydration and emaciation, each of the turtles were brought to Baltimore for hypothermiasomething the rescue team is all too familiar with. Jennifer tells us that during the 2014-2015 winter season, Cape Cod's extreme temperatures stranded hundreds of sea turtles along the coast. The National Aquarium stepped in and helped rehabilitate up to 35 turtles at one time – the highest record at its facility to date.
The aquarium's rehabilitation pool is filled with activities to keep the turtles occupied and active. From hula hoops to carwash fibers, these toys help with the reptiles' enrichment and allow them to scrape and clean their shells. During rehab, the turtles are monitored around the clock and fed an assortment of lean proteins and produce. There is even a special surprise awaiting the Kemp's sea turtles once they are strong enoughto fetch their own food: a bushel of blue crabs.
Spending time with these wild creatures is just a perk for the aquarium's animal advocates. From full-time employees to volunteers, every worker knows the importance of learning each animal's story and returning as many as possible back to the ocean. "You feel like you really contribute and give back to the species," said team member Amber White.
"The triumph of returning a healthy animal to the wild is the reason we have such devoted Animal Rescue volunteers," said Jennifer. "Without them and the good Samaritans who call in tips, the program would not be the success it is today."
In honor of the rescue team's 25th anniversary, the National Aquarium is planning a celebration this summer at one of Maryland's local beaches. The event will be open to the public and is scheduled to include a live release of the rehabilitated turtles. Stay tuned to the National Aquarium's blog and social media pages for more details.
To report a stranded or injured marine animal or sea turtle, call the National Aquarium's stranding response hotline at 410-576-3880 or contact the Department of Natural Resources Police at 800-628-9944. To donate, visit aqua.org/care.
