Program areas at MMSC
Animal Stranding and Care:MMSC responds to the strandings of whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles in New Jersey and occasionally assists with strandings in other states. Since its 1978 inception, MMSC has responded to over 5,900 strandings. This program includes: MMSC response to the stranding location by staff or trained volunteers; assessment of the animal's condition; transportation of the animal to MMSC for additional assessment by veterinarian; care and treatment for injuries or illness, and eventual release back into the ocean.
Educational Services:MMSC staff and trained volunteers conduct outreach programs to schools, adult groups, and outdoor festivals. Programs are presented using PowerPoint, photo displays, and artifacts to give the audience a hands-on experience. Staff and volunteers attend festivals and fairs, where information is distributed to thousands of attendees via pamphlets and photo displays. Presenters also answer questions from their audience. We estimate that more than one million individuals have received these programs over the past 45 years.
Sea Life Education Center and Museum:MMSC staff, trained volunteers and interns explain the mission of the Center and conduct tours of this 1940's era 12-sided building that houses many displays about the animals and the beach environment. Visitors learn about the types of problems the animals encounter due to illness, injury, and pollution. The building is open to the public year round, with extended hours during summer months. School children visit the Center throughout the year and summer programs are available to visitors. Programs include visiting the back bays and beaches to learn ecology, and dolphin and turtle stranding classes. Since 1983 there have been over 700,000 visitors to the museum.