The observatory provides a view of the animals in the Aquatic Study Center pools, an area previously off-limits to visitors; Current residents are four Pacific white-sided dolphins from Shedd Aquarium
Gurdon Wattles, a member of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s Board of Trustees, his wife, Kathy, and Stephen Coan, president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, officially open the new Gurdon and Kathy Wattles Marine Mammal Observatory
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is buzzing with activity, and on Friday, September 12, one of the most recent initiatives – the new Gurdon and Kathy Wattles Marine Mammal Observatory – was officially opened during a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The observatory overlooks Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s Aquatic Animal Study Center. Though the center is closed to the public, the observatory provides visitors the opportunity to see and learn about the animals staying in the center’s two large, circular pools.
The pools house animals that have been rescued and are undergoing rehabilitation, will join the aquarium’s collection of animals and are under quarantine for a short period of time, or are from other facilities and need temporary housing.
The Aquatic Animal Study Center’s current residents are four Pacific white-sided dolphins, who just arrived from Chicago. They come from Shedd Aquarium, which is currently renovating its Oceanarium exhibit. Their visit marks the first time Mystic Aquarium has housed these fascinating creatures. In addition to the dolphins, seven of Shedd Aquarium’s belugas, including two calves, are visiting and will join Mystic Aquarium’s three belugas in the Arctic Coast exhibit.
The observatory is a gift from Gurdon Wattles, a member of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Kathy. Additional contributions came from the New York Community Trust and Dr. George M. Milne, chairman of the aquarium’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Carol.
About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.
