Mission:
Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release, Preserve
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a private, non-profit organization, started in 1978 with a handful of volunteers and a C.E.T.A. grant, was founded, and is still directed by Robert Schoelkopf. He and his wife, Sheila Dean, along with a small paid staff and volunteers with a wide variety of talents and professional backgrounds, continue to work with the animals. Originally based in Gardner’s Basin in the inlet section of Atlantic City, the Center is now located on the barrier island of Brigantine, which borders coastal New Jersey’s largest wildlife refuge.
With a permit and authorization from the state and federal governments, the Center has responded to over 3170 strandings of whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that have washed ashore over the years. Even though these governments sanction the handling of strandings in New Jersey only, the Center is occasionally called upon to assist with animals in other states. All funding comes through donations, grants, memberships, and fund-raising efforts. Since there is no permanent funding at this time, your donations and membership dollars are vital. Your support will help the facility to expand and to care for the increasing number of animals. Without your assistance, these creatures have little hope of survival or rehabilitation.
Looking for holiday gift ideas? We've got you covered! No matter who you are shopping for or what your budget is, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center's online store has something for everyone on your list this year! Check out our online gift…
Read More »The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has responded to 6,043 marine mammals and sea turtles in distress throughout the State of New Jersey since 1978. MMSC’s work is ongoing, responding to animals in dire need of assistance 24 hours per day, 365…
Read More »Because of YOU, we raised over $10,000 through our fall fundraising events! The Marine Mammal Stranding Center relies heavily on fundraising events to continue our mission and carry out our life-saving work for the marine mammals and sea turtles of…
Read More »LAST CALL to come aboard our sunset whale watch cruise! Come out for a fun filled evening aboard a sunset cruise with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center! Enjoy light food, beverages, and the…
Read More »Honoring Humpback whale, NYC0260 We are very saddened to share with you the news of the death of Humpback whale NYC0260, who washed ashore deceased in Long Branch, New Jersey on the afternoon of August 12th. This whale became very well-known in our…
Read More »Seal Class of 2022-2023! With the final release of this seal season behind us, we thought you would enjoy this "class photo" of all twenty patients that were successfully rehabilitated by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and returned to the wild…
Read More »Final release of seal season! Our final seal release of the 2022-2023 season was a BIG one with the return of Harbor seal #23-089 (Barnegat Light) back to the wild! This adult female Harbor seal spent over six weeks recovering from an injury in…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Marine Mammal Stranding Center Newsletter - June 29,…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Marine Mammal Stranding Center Newsletter - June 9,…
Read More »Happy World Turtle Day! We celebrated World Turtle Day on Tuesday! Did you know that the MMSC has responded to 2,276 Sea Turtles over the past 45 years? Everything from the giant Leatherback to the smallest Kemp's Ridley Sea turtles have been…
Read More »Happy Release Day to SIX Grey seals! #InCaseYouMissedIt on our FB live yesterday, here are photos of our Stranding Team returning a group of six Grey seals back to the ocean! All of these seals had been admitted to the Marine Mammal Stranding…
Read More »Have you heard of #FiveDollarFriday? A small donation multiplied by many people can make a HUGE impact for the animals! We are currently caring for ELEVEN seals in our hospital, including this Grey seal pup who is healing after stranding in…
Read More »Release Day for Harbor seal #23-027 On February 27th, we responded to a call for an injured seal stranded along the Delaware Bay in Fortescue, Cumberland County. The female Harbor seal had several new and old wounds, including fresh puncture wounds…
Read More »Click here to view the Information About Marine Mammal Stranding Center Newsletter -April 4,…
Read More »MMSC’s 45th Anniversary and "SP" The Whale That Started It All A pygmy sperm whale stranded in Atlantic City, NJ in front of Convention Hall. The 1500lb whale was suffering from lacerations and bruising from struggling in the surf. Among…
Read More »Looking for the latest information available on whale and dolphin strandings in New Jersey? The "Cetacean Stranding Data" page on MMSC's website provides graphs summarizing the past 20 years of both whale and dolphin strandings in New Jersey, and a…
Read More »The Marine Mammal Stranding Center's Statement on Recent Whale Deaths As our community continues to grapple with the recent surge in whale strandings, many of you have reached out with questions regarding how our work is funded and our role in the…
Read More »SEAL-ebrating our first release of 2023! This female Harbor seal stranded in Monmouth Beach on December 28th, suffering from a respiratory infection and a large laceration on her right side. After spending over one month under the expert care of…
Read More »We are thrilled to report that our female harbor seal from Monmouth Beach is doing very well under the expert care of our stranding staff, veterinarian, and volunteers! When she was found stranded on December 28th, this little seal was suffering…
Read More »Thank You, Bob Schoelkopf The Marine Mammal Stranding Center announced today that the nonprofit organization’s long-time Founding Executive Director, Bob Schoelkopf, has retired. Bob’s decision to retire will bring to a close a…
Read More »For over four decades, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center has been the only organization in New Jersey dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. To date, our staff and volunteers from…
Read More »From all of us at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, we would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are very thankful to have so many friends and supporters like YOU who care about marine mammals and sea turtles. Without…
Read More »Your Donations Are Saving Lives! Read about some of our animal success stories that would not have been possible without YOUR donations and support! Spring 2022 - Grey Seal #22-018 (left) who originally stranded in Ship Bottom on March 15th, has…
Read More »Our #GivingTuesday Giving Grid is LIVE! We have launched our Giving Grid early! We know how busy the holiday and giving season can be, so we decided to start ours early. Don't wait, the animals need your help! Click below to donate now through…
Read More »Give with Your Heart this #GivingTuesday Mark your calendars... the countdown for #GivingTuesday begins! November 29, 2022 What is #GivingTuesday? GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity.…
Read More »Minke Whale Strands in Back Bay of Brigantine On Monday October 31st, at 8:00am, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded to a Minke whale in the back bay of Brigantine. While out on his skiff starting his workday, local bayman Eric Tucker…
Read More »On Monday October 31st at 8:00am the Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded to a Minke whale in the back bay of Brigantine. While out on his skiff starting his workday, local bayman Eric Tucker discovered the 22-foot whale stranded on a sandbar…
Read More »Last Call to Save Time at Check-In... Pre-Register for Pup Strut! Grab your leashes and dog treats! Join us on Saturday November 5th on the beach in Brigantine for our second annual MMSC Pup Strut! Visit our website for more…
Read More »Pup Strut 2022 is still happening! Grab your leashes and dog treats! Join us on Saturday November 5th on the beach in Brigantine for our second annual MMSC Pup Strut! Visit our website for more information! Want to become a Pup Strut…
Read More »There's a lot going on here at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center... Preparations are under way as MMSC staff, along with the staff from two different zoological facilities, plan the transport of our two non-releasable grey seals to their new…
Read More »Greetings from The Absecon Lighthouse, The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, and Sea Goddess Healing Arts! We are requesting your help and support! Calling on Sponsors, Vendors, Donors, Volunteers, Event Goers, Educators, Magic Makers, and Good…
Read More »Click Here To View The Marine Mammal Stranding Center Newsletter - August 26,…
Read More »Click here to Read More Information About Marine Mammal Stranding Center Newsletter - August 17,…
Read More »Whether you are renewing your membership or are a first time member with us, you will receive a one time coupon code for our online store for 20% all of our "Cupid" seal products! Each membership purchased before Labor Day will also receive at…
Read More »Last Chance to Book a Summer Program! Looking for something fun to do with the kids on the beach next week? Join us for our Sea Turtle & Dolphin Stranding program! We still have some spots available for the FINAL week of this very popular…
Read More »Click Here To View Marine Mammal Stranding Center Newsletter - July 21,…
Read More »Click Here To View Marine Mammal Stranding Center Newsletter - July 12,…
Read More »Although seal season has ended, we are still caring for two grey seals in our hospital. Both six-month old females have been diagnosed with permanent medical conditions that will make their survival in the wild very unlikely. After numerous exams…
Read More »Our private summer beach programs are back! This year bring your family to join us on a simulated sea turtle and dolphin rescue! Enjoy this one-on-one private experience on the beach in Brigantine, New Jersey. Using real stranding equipment,…
Read More »Grey Seal #22-025 stranded on April 6th in Brigantine, suffering from injuries to his lower jaw and chest. A few weeks later, Grey Seal #22-056 stranded on April 25th in Sea Isle City. This tough little one had been through a lot, having sustained…
Read More »BOOK YOUR PRIVATE SUMMER PROGRAM NOW! Sea Turtle and Dolphin Mock Stranding Program New this summer! Using real stranding equipment, our MMSC Educators will guide your family or small group through hands-on activities that allow everyone to…
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