About Us

About the Center

Seal Release feeding putting eyedrops

What is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center?
The Center, which has the privilege of housing the only marine mammal stranding facility within New Jersey, is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded or otherwise stressed marine mammals and sea turtles.

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.

The Blowhole is a publication of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. It is an excellent source of information on the current year’s strandings, articles by knowledgeable employees, and a calendar of future events. Membership rates for children/seniors, families and businesses or organizations can be found on our membership/donation form. Although donations in excess of these amounts are gladly welcomed and appreciated. Membership includes a subscription to The Blowhole, and discounts on merchandise from the Center’s museum gift shop. To join or receive further information, please contact the Membership Secretary, Marine Mammal Stranding Center, PO Box 773, Brigantine, NJ 08203. Telephone: (609) 266-0538

Please see the “visit us” page for more information and directions.

This Risso's Dolphin stranded on the beach in Brigantine, N.J. There was a shark near the dolphin and our director did not want anyone to go into the water after it. Suddenly, a pod of dolphins appeared and chased the shark then nudged the sick dolphin towards shore. They seems to know that we wanted to help. We went into the water, retrieved the dolphin and brought it to the the Center. It had pneumonia and died shortly after arriving at the Center.