First Responders Help Marine Mammals in Trouble

1/21/2009

BRIDGEPORT, Conn.—January 21, 2009—Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only zoo, recently hosted a First Responder class for individuals interested in learning the proper protocol when aiding a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle. The Zoo partnered with Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, which presented the training.

"This training is a great opportunity for individuals to learn about marine mammal protection regulations, as well as the procedures when responding to a potentially stranded animal," explained Gregg Dancho, director, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. "Offering classes such as these helps the Zoo fulfill our mission of conservation for all animal species."

The Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Program training class was open to all veteran first responders, as well as any new individuals with an interest in becoming a first responder. Participants in the class will be certified to be first responders until January 2011. During this two year period, there will be numerous advanced training courses that will be held via WebSeminar. Twenty five people from throughout Connecticut participated in the Bridgeport training.

"This training class provided an excellent opportunity to collaborate closely with Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo to introduce new individuals to our First Responder program," said Janelle Schuh, stranding coordinator at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. "We were thrilled to see this large group of people interested in helping us continue to respond to the many stranding calls we receive each year."

Additional trainings will be offered throughout the state. Please contact Janelle Schuh, Stranding Coordinator at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Program at jschuh@mysticaquarium.org for more information.

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About Sea Research Foundation, Inc: Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration has been rescuing stranded marine mammals for more than 30 years, and is a founding member of the Northeast Regional Stranding Network. The network consists of independent organizations dedicated to caring for sick and injured animals and learning more about the reasons they come ashore. In all, the aquarium has responded to more than 800 stranding calls from the public, treating more than 300 marine mammals and releasing more than 160 that would have died had they been left on the shore.



About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Andean condor, ocelots, red & maned wolves, Andean (spectacled) bears, and golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org