Why We Need Your
Help
Northern fur seal, Ziggy Star suffers from a serious
neurologic condition called cerebral demyelination that
affects her ability to process images correctly and coordinate her movements. She can't survive in the wild and needs human care for the rest
of her life.
Mystic Aquarium working with The Marine Mammal Center in
Sausalito, CA has stepped up to provide a home to Ziggy Star. Her story
begins when she was found in April last year, collapsed on a beach on the
Mendocino coast, severely emaciated and barely alive. She was rescued and
brought to the Center's hospital where she was diagnosed with a serious
neurologic condition. After extensive testing it was determined that her
condition would ultimately impact her ability to survive in the wild.
Her condition made it difficult to place Ziggy Star, but it
became critical that the Center find her a home. Mystic Aquarium looked for
ways to help give Ziggy a permanent home so she could live in a social setting
with other fur seals and benefit from the care she requires. Ziggy Star underwent several months of care
at The Marine Mammal Center and was cleared to join Mystic Aquarium's collection.
Mystic Aquarium has a long history of working with northern
fur seals, in fact, they are considered to be a leader in breeding and caring
for this particular species. Mystic
Aquarium had received one of their first northern fur seals, Delta Joy from The
Marine Mammal Center many years ago.
Laurie Macha, Curator of Marine Mammals and Birds, will travel to CA several days before Ziggy
Star’s journey to Mystic. She will spend time getting to know Ziggy Star and
Shelbi, her primary caretaker at The Marine Mammal Center. During this
period Ziggy Star will come to know and bond with Laurie. According to
Laurie, this is critical in order to make Ziggy’s transition from the center to
Mystic Aquarium as smooth as possible. Ziggy Star will make the journey
from California to Connecticut escorted by both Mystic Aquarium’s, Dr. Ally
McNaughton and Laurie
Where Your Money Goes
Flying a fur seal across the country is no small task! Here is a summary of how much it will cost
just to get Ziggy Star to Mystic, CT.
Ziggy’s
Flight from CA to CT |
$6,300 |
Travel
housing for Ziggy |
$1,500 |
Flights
for our Animal Care staff |
$1,000 |
Food
and lodging in California |
$1,500 |
Ground
transportation to/from airports for Ziggy |
$500 |
Transport
supplies |
$150 |
Once Ziggy is here, she will receive the highest level of
round-the-clock care. It costs around $4,000 a month to care for an animal like Ziggy
Star, and she will be one of 22 marine mammals housed at Mystic Aquarium.
Mystic Aquarium is one of the
nation’s most revered aquariums and is accredited by the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums, which means that we adhere to the highest standards of
animal care, safety, guest services, conservation, education and research.
With a collection of nearly
5,000 animals and an extensive marine mammal collection, we are the largest
aquarium in New England. Mystic Aquarium is unique in its focus on
biological research, its connection with deep-sea exploration through the Ocean
Exploration Center, and its international science education through the world
renowned JASON Learning programs.
Without the care of our trained staff, animals like Ziggy
Star would not have a chance of survival.
That is why we need your help now.
Mystic Aquarium has the trained and caring staff ready and
waiting to take Ziggy in and make her part of our family.
Other Ways You Can Help
Your donation will directly
support the transportation and care of Ziggy Star as well as contribute to the
care of other animals like her.
In addition to donations, we need your help to spread the
word! Please share this page with all of
your friends and family. Help bring Ziggy home!!
Photos and video courtesy of:
Ingrid Overgard © The Marine
Mammal Center and © The Marine
Mammal Center