Hammonasset Beach State Park was buzzing with excitement on Thursday as it hosted the largest seal release in Connecticut history. The event, organized by the Mystic Aquarium, saw four rehabilitated seals returning back to the wild after being found stranded near Block Island’s North Light. One of the seals, a female named Tortellini, was rescued with heavy gillnet wrapped around her neck and flippers back in May.
“It’s really a great feeling to give them a second chance at life, and it’s great to have other people be a part of that,” said Sarah Callan, Manager of the Animal Rescue Program at Mystic Aquarium.
Despite the heavy traffic caused by the massive crowd that showed up to witness the release, families had a great time and enjoyed a memorable day at the beach. Organizers revealed that 700 people RSVP’d to the event, but even more attended.
“My boys are absolutely in love with sea creatures and the Mystic Aquarium. It was just a couldn’t-miss event,” said Lisa Lohmann.
The successful release of the seals marked a milestone for wildlife conservation efforts in Connecticut, where such an event of this magnitude had never been organized before. It was a heartwarming moment as Tortellini and the other seals tasted freedom once again, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Mystic Aquarium team.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcconnecticut.com