Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Join Allie, a veterinary technician with Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program, in this episode of Vet Tech Savvy as she takes you behind the scenes of a real seal response, from the very first hotline call to the animal’s admit exam at the aquarium.
Mystic Aquarium operates a 24-hour animal rescue hotline, responding to seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales across Connecticut, Rhode Island (including Block Island), and Fishers Island, NY. With a small staff and an incredible network of trained volunteers, every response is carefully assessed to determine what’s best for both animal and human safety.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What happens when a member of the public reports a seal on the beach
Why it’s normal for seals to haul out on land—and when it becomes a concern
How photos, videos, and volunteer observations help guide rescue decisions
What safety precautions staff and volunteers take during a seal collection
What a seal’s initial veterinary exam includes once they arrive at Mystic Aquarium
Allie also walks through the supplies used during an admit exam, explains how veterinarians assess a seal’s health, collect bloodwork and diagnostic samples, and begin supportive care as the animal starts its rehabilitation journey.
Important reminder: If you ever encounter a seal on the beach, keep at least 150 feet away and call your local marine animal rescue hotline if you have concerns.
Thanks for watching this episode of Vet Tech Savvy!
Be sure to check out our other episodes, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss future behind-the-scenes rescue stories.
Join Allie, a veterinary technician with Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program, in this episode of Vet Tech Savvy as she takes you behind the scenes of a real seal response, from the very first hotline call to the animal’s admit exam at the aquarium.
Mystic Aquarium operates a 24-hour animal rescue hotline, responding to seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales across Connecticut, Rhode Island (including Block Island), and Fishers Island, NY. With a small staff and an incredible network of trained volunteers, every response is carefully assessed to determine what’s best for both animal and human safety.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What happens when a member of the public reports a seal on the beach
Why it’s normal for seals to haul out on land—and when it becomes a concern
How photos, videos, and volunteer observations help guide rescue decisions
What safety precautions staff and volunteers take during a seal collection
What a seal’s initial veterinary exam includes once they arrive at Mystic Aquarium
Allie also walks through the supplies used during an admit exam, explains how veterinarians assess a seal’s health, collect bloodwork and diagnostic samples, and begin supportive care as the animal starts its rehabilitation journey.
Important reminder: If you ever encounter a seal on the beach, keep at least 150 feet away and call your local marine animal rescue hotline if you have concerns.
Thanks for watching this episode of Vet Tech Savvy!
Be sure to check out our other episodes, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss future behind-the-scenes rescue stories.
