Overview
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Brigantine, New Jersey dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine mammals and sea turtles. The MMSC is the only Federally-authorized hospital for marine mammals and the first responders for sea turtle strandings and disentanglements in the State of New Jersey. Since being founded in 1978, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center has responded to over 6,190 stranded dolphins, whales, seals and sea turtles.
The Sea Life Museum is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center's educational visitor center and the only part of the facility that is open to the public. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per visitor greatly appreciated. Operating hours vary seasonally, please visit www.mmsc.org for details.
The Sea Life Museum features several life-sized replicas of local species of marine mammals, sea turtles and fish. Educational displays demonstrate the impact of marine debris and plastics on aquatic animals. On display are a wide variety of marine mammal and sea turtle artifacts, including bones, baleen and fossils. Located outside the museum, the "Bone Garden" and "Ocean Beach Discovery" exhibits (open seasonally) provide a hands-on learning experience for young visitors. As a working wildlife rehabilitation facility, the hospital side of the property is not open to the public. However, when seals are in the hospital these patients may be viewed via an extensive remote camera system on a large screen inside the museum.
The Sea Life Museum includes a gift shop, which is one of the main sources of funding that helps support MMSC's life-saving work with marine mammals and sea turtles. MMSC's iconic and very popular "Cupid the Seal" apparel is available for purchase, as well as seal adoptions, books, plush toys and other unique gifts.
Educational programs are available seasonally, and several special fundraising events are planned throughout the year. Visit www.mmsc.org for additional information.
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