Your Donations Are Saving Lives!
Read about some of our animal success stories that would not have been possible without YOUR donations and support!

Spring 2022 - Grey Seal #22-018 (left) who originally stranded in Ship Bottom on March 15th, has a cardiac condition that requires she be on medication for her entire life. Grey Seal #22-060 (right) who originally stranded in Ventnor on May 5th, is visually impaired and unable to capture live fish. These two seals both stayed at the MMSC for about 5 months, from the day they were picked from the beach to the day they were transported to their permanent homes. We are thrilled that both of these medically special needs animals will be provided with lifelong expert veterinary care, enrichment, and the companionship of other seals in two world-class zoological facilities.

Brigantine, NJ - Minke Whale

October 2022 - The Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded to a Minke whale in the back bay of Brigantine. While out on his skiff starting his workday, local bayman Eric Tucker discovered the 22-foot whale stranded on a sandbar and immediately reported it. Without hesitation, he volunteered his time throughout the rest of the day, using his vessel to transport our stranding technician and veterinarian to the whale's location and staying on scene to assist. Fortunately, the whale refloated on the incoming tide. The team stayed on scene to observe the whale, who by the afternoon was swimming in the deeper channel. The Minke whale was last observed that evening swimming out of the bay towards the inlet.

Keansburg, NJ - Harbor Porpoise

March 2016 - This harbor porpoise wandered up a creek, and found herself swimming alone, unable to find her way back out to sea. MMSC stepped in and planned a rescue operation. Our Stranding Technicians were able to safely capture the little porpoise and used an inflatable boat to gently carry her to the shoreline to our rescue ambulance. With no obvious signs of illness or injury, the healthy porpoise was then driven to the ocean side of Sandy Hook, where she was released back out into the ocean. The beautiful animal quickly swam off, returning to her life in the wild.

Avalon, NJ - Loggerhead Sea Turtle
September 2016 - One of our most memorable patients was this 300lb female loggerhead sea turtle. It is a rare occurrence to see such a large turtle strand alive in New Jersey. After being stabilized in our hospital, she was ready to be flown by private jet to North Carolina for long-term rehabilitation, along with a smaller 150lb male loggerhead and small green sea turtle that we were caring for at the same time. Moving a sea turtle of this considerable size out of our pool and into a specially designed travel box is no easy task! With the help of the firefighters, she was gently placed on a stretcher and carefully carried up the pool steps. After stopping at the scale to confirm her weight for the aircraft, the massive turtle was safely lifted into her transport crate by the firefighters and was soon on her way to the airport to catch her flight.

Remember that EVERY donation makes a big difference, no matter the size. With your help and generosity, we are confident that we can reach our goal this season of giving. TOGETHER we can make a difference for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles! 

You can now donate through our Facebook Fundraiser as well!

Head over to our Facebook page to check out our Facebook fundraiser: Saving Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles!

In case you missed it, we launched our Giving Grid!

We know how busy the holiday and giving season can be, so we decided to start ours early.

Don't wait, the animals need your help!

Click below to donate now through our Giving Grid

and help us reach our goal!

Donate through our Giving Grid NOW!

What is #GivingTuesday?

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea:

a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day.

Sponsor Trivia

What is the difference between a porpoise and a dolphin? Porpoises and dolphins are very similar, both being species of odontocetes, or toothed whales. However, porpoises have much rounder faces and more triangular dorsal fins, while dolphins have more pointed beaks and dorsal fins.

Thank you, Brigantine Professional Firefighters, for sponsoring this trivia!

Visit their Facebook page at Brigantine Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2657

Support the MMSC
Use the buttons below to make a contribution of your choice to the
Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

The animals say THANK YOU!

Ways You Can Help

Donate NOW!