I didn't realize Mystic had an offsite. Is it primarily for their rehab program, or do they have other long-term captives?
Mystic Aquarium Mystic Aquarium News
- Thread starter gerenuk
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I don't know much about it, offsite isn't really the right word. I assume it's their rehab center/extra holding - they have two different USDA at the same address.
With a quick glance at the website, I'm not seeing a second facility in the records. However, I am at the aquarium now and just asked a manager of animal operations after she was done collecting data on the animals. She said that there are only six fur seals in the organization's care.
Something else I learned is that the allegedly unreleasable gray seal and harp seal do not exist, at least not in the Pacific Northwest exhibit. I didn't clarify if "Stranded," a different department, had any in their permanent care, but I doubt it (every unreleasable pinniped I've heard of transferred to the Pacific Northwest complex).
The staff and volunteers there are pretty notoriously unreliable. There never was an unreleasable harp, and I'm not seeing anything saying there was in this thread?
If you read what I wrote, you might have noticed, "just asked a manager of animal operations after she was done collecting data on the animals." The lady was directly involved in animal care, feeding the Steller's sea lions and recording observations.
As for the harp seal, I probably missinterpreted @MidwestFan's words, "The only Harp Seal in US facilities is a male that stranded 3/23/22 and is currently at Mystic Aquarium" in the Pinnipeds in North America thread from September 13.
And if you read what I wrote, "The staff". Being a keeper doesn't mean they're required to tell you the truth, or the full truth.
They occasionally have rescues but yeah, they tend to be super short-term before re-release and the chance of seeing them through that window into the rescue area is very, very low.
But then, there's also doesn't seem to be a reason to lie about that. She mentioned a whole bunch of other animals that were off-exhibit (two out of the six fur seals, two spotted seals, most of the harbor seals), so I think it's highly unlikely there are four additional fur seals, housed confidentially. Also, I checked again and can't find a second listed facility. I assumed you meant people like the educators stationed throughout the facility.
Who knows, I assumed ARA worries. But I've had both educators and employees/keepers tell me things that were blatantly false before. I wouldn't say confidentially, just not on exhibit. There's the off-exhibit pool that the pinnipeds can choose to go to if they want, plus the pools over by the penguins. I have no opinion on how many fur seals they have, I just don't think any faith can be put in what they say to visitors. A surprising amount of zoos and aquariums have off-site facilities that aren't listed anywhere easy to find.
The updated MMIR from 02NOV2023 shows that the Harp Seal that was at Mystic Aquarium was transferred to SWF on 7/20/2023. Mystic no longer has the animal.
SeaWorld Florida, aka Orlando
Which is really interesting to me....I hope it goes on display at some point.
A fourth beluga from Marineland is in critical condition. Public announcements have not stated whether the individual is Kharabali or Sahara. When I was at the facility, one of the juveniles was in the secondary pool (not the medical pool), but that was chalked up to "research." Hopefully she makes a full recovery.
Beluga whale from Canada now at Mystic Aquarium is in critical condition – NBC Connecticut
Beluga whale from Canada now at Mystic Aquarium is in critical condition – NBC Connecticut
Kharabali, the female beluga, has unfortunately now passed away.
Third beluga whale transported from Canada to Mystic Aquarium has died – NBC Connecticut
Third beluga whale transported from Canada to Mystic Aquarium has died – NBC Connecticut
Oof. That import from Marineland has been nothing but bad press.
It’s really disheartening.
Compared to Jetta there was only the one update for Khara.
The animal care teams must be feeling so much grief after trying their best
Piece of December 2023 News Not Mentioned:
On December 1st, the aquarium also announced that a (0.1) beluga whale Jetta was successfully returned to the main exhibit after spending a year in critical care.
Mystic Aquarium
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On March 1st, 2024, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) Steller's sea lion named Astro passed away at age 17 due to several age-related conditions the week prior.
Mystic Aquarium
On December 1st, the aquarium also announced that a (0.1) beluga whale Jetta was successfully returned to the main exhibit after spending a year in critical care.
Mystic Aquarium
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On December 6th, the aquarium announced they rescued, rehabilitated, and released a (0.1) harbor seal back into the wild.
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium
On March 1st, 2024, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) Steller's sea lion named Astro passed away at age 17 due to several age-related conditions the week prior.
Mystic Aquarium
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Jetta has been back with the other belugas for a little less than a year-and-a-half. There is a post reflecting this on the thread. That source is merely restating she rejoined the pod because, in addition to announcing Kharibali dying, it serves as an update on the entire pod.
I'm sad to hear about Astro. He and the females had a very interesting social dynamic. I hope they and their keepers are doing well.