Marine Mammal Stranding Center facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | MMSC |
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| Formation | 1978 |
| Founder | Sheila Dean; Robert Schoelkopf |
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
| Purpose | Animal rescue |
| Headquarters | Brigantine, New Jersey |
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Region
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Northeastern coast of the United States |
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Board Chair
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Ken Schaffer |
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Board President
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Robert Schoelkopf |
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Director
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Sheila Dean |
| Website | https://mmsc.org/ |
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) is a special place in Brigantine, New Jersey. It's a private group that helps marine animals. Their main job is to rescue sick or injured whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles. They also help these animals get better and then release them back into the ocean. Since 1978, the MMSC has helped over 5,589 marine animals. It's the only center like it in New Jersey.
What is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center?
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center started in 1978. It was founded by Sheila Dean and Robert Schoelkopf. This organization is a non-profit group. This means it relies on donations and support to do its important work. The MMSC is dedicated to saving marine animals.
Rescuing and Rehabilitating Animals
The MMSC's main goal is to rescue marine mammals and sea turtles. These animals might be stranded on beaches. They could be sick, injured, or lost. The center's team works hard to bring these animals to safety.
Once at the center, the animals get special care. Vets and experts help them heal and get strong again. Even though helping these animals costs a lot, the MMSC has great success. Over 90% of the animals they help get well. They are then returned to their ocean home.
Learning About Ocean Life
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center also teaches people. They have a Sea Life Museum. Here, you can learn about different marine animals. The museum has exhibits that you can touch and explore.
The center offers educational programs too. These programs teach about marine ecology. This is the study of how ocean animals and their environment interact. These programs help people understand why it's important to protect marine life. The MMSC also has internship programs. These allow students to learn hands-on about marine animal care.
