In 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act was passed.  It symbolized many changes in scientific and public awareness of the problems marine mammals were facing.  Any animal that comes ashore dead or alive raises the level of uneasiness about the health of our oceans. A call for detailed and standardized investigations of animal strandings was necessary. As a result, the Marine Mammal Stranding Network was created.  It is a coalition of professionals and volunteers whose purpose is to rescue, investigate, and rehabilitate stranded marine mammals. 

Volunteers trying to save beached rough toothed dolphinsAs a member of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Florida’s Gulfarium is committed to aiding any stranded marine mammal on the Emerald Coast. This memberships allows rare opportunities to learn about marine mammal biology, illness, and mortality.  Florida's Gulfarium is also a member of The Turtle Stranding Network.  We are proud of this affiliation as we are helping to ensure the lives of the endangered sea turtles. 

Along American shores, hundreds of marine mammals become victims of stranding every year. In the case of a live stranding, Florida’s Gulfarium assists in rescuing, rehabilitating, and if possible, releasing the animal back to the wild. Any marine animal (not just mammals) brought to us by authorized individuals or agencies will receive love and care the the remainder of its life. Our goal is to release every animal back to their natural habitat once they are deemed healthy enough to survive on their own. Animals that have received care at Florida's Gulfarium include: dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, and cormorants, to name but a few. 

Make a Donation:

Buy a brick for this walkway!The cost of providing this aid is very high.  You can become a part of our efforts to rescue stranded animals by making a donation to Gulfarium's Stranding Fund.  Your donation will help provide the care that stranded animals need.  Your gift to the Stranding Fund will be memorialized on an engraved brick walkway.  Bricks may be engraved with your name or commemorative saying.  You will receive a certificate for each brick you reserve.  Future generations will know that someone was there to make a difference.  For more information call 850-243-9046 or write to:

Florida's Gulfarium

Attention: Stranding

1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE

Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548

 

HOW TO REPORT A STRANDING:

It is important to remember that these are injured or sick wild animals, and they could feel threatened if you approach them. Injury to people and animals could occur if people get too close to the stranded animals. Send someone to call the Marine Patrol as quickly as possible. Someone else should remain near the animals to keep bystanders at a safe distance and to wait for the Marine Patrol and rescue team to arrive. Remember: quick action is vital. Call the Marine Patrol as soon as you are certain that the animal is stranded, injured, or ill. The Florida Marine Patrol can be reached at 1-800-342-5367.  Contact your state's local information operator for the number to your local wildlife conservation or animal rescue society.


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Florida's Gulfarium   -   1010 Miracle Strip Parkway   -   Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-243-9046   -   800-247-8575
info@gulfarium.com

 

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