National Marine Life Center, Inc.

I've been volunteering for NMLC for over five years now, and have greatly enjoyed my time there; the staff and fellow volunteers have always made it an enjoyable experience, and I am proud to be involved and of assistance with the important work being done there.

I've been involved with the National Marine Life Center for about 7 years. The staff is very knowledgeable and skilled at rehabilitating seals and sea turtles. They are helping to save these animals every day, thus helping our environment in a big way. They also do a great job of educating people about marine life. NMLC is a great place for children and adults alike. While it is a marine hospital and not an aquarium, they do a great job of educating the public in the Discovery Center. Residents of and visitors to the Buzzards Bay area should check out the website for visiting hours and programs. (Mostly virtual right now due to the pandemic) Those who can't come in person will find a wealth of information on their website, nmlc.org.

People always wonder about how far their donation goes and how much it is needed. The work is never done but they stretch the dollar better than any non-profit I have ever been affiliated with! Due to the Covid 19, their donations are down and traditional fundraisers cannot be held. Yet they persevere. Their work with Seals and Turtles is exemplary and they provide an educational experience for students in the Greater Cape area which is unmatched!

I have volunteered with the National Marine Life Center for 3 years. They have taken time to help me develop animal husbandry and medical skills and general knowledge of the marine species. Volunteering here has definitely been one of the largest influences that have led me to go back to school for a related field. The staff and volunteers are truly dedicated to making a difference for the stranded marine life and it is clear how much they care - literally putting their blood, sweat, and tears into their work. The community of volunteers and interns that this organization has fostered is incredible.

I've been a supporter of NMLC for 20 years. I've been a direct volunteer for 4 years, and serving NMLC has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. All three parts of the mission--rehabilitating and releasing stranded marine animals and sea turtles, advancing science and education on ocean conservation--is so vital. To hear children especially, after they visit our center, learn something, and say things so profound about the work that is done and how important the ocean is remarkable. NMLC has the only marine parasite lab in the country which makes is truly unique and even more special.

The National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay, MA is a small non-profit organization with many volunteers, some interns, and a small staff who work very hard to rehabilitate seals and sea turtles that are brought there, often in critical condition. I have been impressed with the dedication of all. The Discovery Center has interesting marine specimens, displays, and a large screen where visitors can see the animals in the hospital via live feed cameras. Volunteers working in the D.C. do updates and share their knowledge with visitors. In normal summers, there are fun programs for children. There is also a small gift shop. If you are in the area, it is worth a visit! Be sure to call first for hours and details during Covid 19.

The National Marine Life Center in Buzzard's Bay, MA is fulfilling a crucial need in marine life rescue, rehab and conservation. They have turned an old hardware store building and warehouse into a modern facility for the intake and care of stranded sea turtles and pinnipeds, with the goal of release back to the wild. They are one of only a few organizations in the northeast that does this. The team of science and husbandry staff, medical staff, interns and the many dedicated volunteers puts in long hours and works hard for each animal. They work in a field where there are quite a few unknowns about marine animal health, stressors, behaviors. The team applies what they learn from the survival, or unavoidable death, of each animal to develop successful care protocols.
The facility has a prominent presence on the main street of the town. Education is a priority. The visitors' center is inviting, full of interesting marine animal objects and interpretive materials, plus live animal cams so visitors can watch the behind-the-scenes care of the animals. The veterinary lab has a full window facing the visitors' center, so people can watch the biologists at work.
Before COVID, there were classes for kids and families, workshops for teachers, tours of the animal care facilities and summer science camps for kids. During COVID, NMLC is maintaining contact with the public through zoom and social media. And I'm pretty sure visitors can have COVID safe visits by appointment.

A wonderful experience volunteering here. Filled with amazing and incredibly nice hardworking people who truly love what they do. The greatest feeling is seeing our animals get well enough to get released back into the wild and the joy it brings to everyone involved.

A great organization that helps marine life in our area. They exceed any expectations and push through limitations that may stop other similar organizations. Excellent and hardworking staff, interns, and volunteers!

The work done by this organization is truly amazing. The care and love each animal gets is inspiring. Watching seals and turtles that come to the national Marine Life Center and then watching them on their journey to being released just makes me smile each time they have a release. Watch you tube or Facebook to see a release.

Any help you can give them a donation, volunteering or dropping of much needed supplies really helps. They also have very good programs educational for children run by caring professionals. So spread the word what a wonderful organization the National Marine Life Center is!

They jumped right in with the need for seal care this late winter, spring, and summer, and took care of a large number of animals. The team of staff and volunteers is very devoted to their ork. They are a credit to the state of Massachusetts, the Cape Region, and especially, the rown of Bourne and village of Buzzards Bay.

I interned at National Marine Life Center for two sessions and was able to learn about this organization from the inside, both within the hospital and within administration. This organization truly values its volunteers and community, encouraging a tight-nit, reliable, and hardworking group of people. When I first started, I was amazed by the commitment and care put forth by all volunteers and staff members. Everyone works towards the common goal of rehabilitating these animals in the best way possible to ensure them the greatest chance at success in the wild. So much effort and deliberation is put into each patient's treatment plan; it is truly a positive cause. On the public side, National Marine Life Center passionately educates others on relevant marine issues of Cape Cod through both their in-depth Discovery Center and programs. This is a completely selfless organization full of a community of people who care about the ocean and its inhabitants, and it's importance cannot be understated.

2, 2.5 stars at best. As a local resident for over 10 years, I used to take my grandkids there every summer but we stopped going last year. The place might do some good for animals and education but it has hardly changed, seems poorly managed and not a good place to financially invest in. The overall rating is highly inflated from 5-star reviews written by people within or closely associated with the organization as a way to hide any review less than 5 stars.

My family and I enjoy stopping by the National Marine Life Center whenever we visit the Cape Cod area. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and welcoming. We are impressed by the excellent care NMLC provides for animals, as well as its thoughtfully designed educational outreach. At the center, the displays are interactive, interesting, and informative. We have watched the NMLC grow over the years and are excited about the work it continues to do so well. Very impressive organization!

I had the privilege to visit the National Marine life Center in Buzzards Bay, MA. I was very impressed with the displays and with the tour I recieved from Kathy. I found her passion to be infectious. This was definitely a great experience and i would visit again next time i am in Buzzards Bay.

The National Marine Life Center does wonderful work with marine animals and providing education for the public.

I have been going to the National Marine Life Center for many years.
I started going to help with the development and fundraising for NMLC
I worked with Jeff Luce. He tirelessly worked for the NMLC.
Now that it is up and running I try to go weekly to see it in action.
It fills me with pride to see it functioning so well.
I still volunteer with fund raising. All the staff at the NMLC are wonderful and very helpful to visitors.
I would encourage anyone near or far to visit the National Marine Life Center and see for themselves.
Paul F. McAlduff

Such a professional and committed group of Veterinarians, staff and volunteers !! National Marine Life Center in Buzzard’s Bay, MA. is dedicated to the rehabilitation of seals and turtles while also focusing on community education. Thoroughly enjoy my time volunteering !! Deborah

My son and I had a chance to visit NMLC on our way out to the Cape. The environment was welcoming and the staff knowledgeable. In addition to the many new things we learned in the Discovery center, we had an opportunity to speak to the director who gave us a mini-tour and spoke to us about the great work they do in rehabilitating vulnerable turtles and seals. Very personable and wonderful experience to share with my son!

Kathy took the time out of her day to give my family and I a tour. We had a great time and learned many new things. It was fun and educational, two things that I have always tried to stress with my children. But, it was also informative for me. A win- win for all.

We got a personal behind-the-scenes tour of this admirable facility from one of its senior staffers when we paid an unexpected visit to this underadvertised gem. Science and compassion for endangered marine species was manifest by everything we saw. While it was significantly smaller scale than our Chicago Shedd Aquarium, it was thoroughly impressive. When we met with its personable and knowledgeable CEO she proved to be an excellent ambassador for her organization. We highly recommend it as a side trip visit for anyone we know who is planning a trip to the Cape Cod area.

NMLC is a true delight! I've visited several times, each time with members of my family and friends. The friendliness and knowledge of the staff exceeded all expectations. The work they do also exceeds all expectations. It is a delight to visit and enjoy the gift shop at the end of a journey into the life of the sea world, especially knowing they are rescuing creatures and enabling the continuation of the natural cycle of life. And as much as kids delight in NMLC, we adults are right there with them!!!

NMLC is an incredible organization that not only rehabilitates with a goal to release stranded or injured seals and sea turtles, but also strives to educate individuals of all ages. Our family was introduced to the center as the center was just beginning its mission. We have always tried to help support their goals over the years through volunteering and donating when possible. Our daughter fell in love with sea turtles when in pre-school and happily enjoyed the many educational opportunities offered as a young child. She then started to volunteer for NMLC while in middle school caring for small animals (Box turtles, Red-Bellied Cooters, and Diamondback Terrapins). She continues her volunteer work, and as she prepares to graduate from high school this year, we can't be happier that such an incredible, positive organization has helped support her personal growth. NMLC has helped her grow and develop a positive appreciation for giving back to her community and supporting our environment. The staff and volunteers go above and beyond every day as animal care providers, educators, and advocates.

The national marine life center is a fantastic place! They do amazing work. I have loved watching them rehabilitate turtles and watching them be released back into the ocean. It’s so phenomenal to watch that. They care so much for the animals. They are great with kids, helping them to understand what affects these animals and what they can do to help them. Visit them, and watch them love their mission every day.

National Marine Life Center is not only a great organization helping rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles. They have an amazing Discovery Center that helps teach the public about our Marine Environment and to how better care for our World!

The people in this organization are selfless and so hard working. They put in countless hours, sometimes 24 hours a day, to care for the marine animals in need. The scientific work they do not only provides care for the animals, but provides important insights to our ecosystem and human medical issues. We are fortunate to have them on the East coast to assist with baby seals that have been left abandoned by their mother, or wounded seals and turtles that need medical attention.

What a wonderful group of dedicated, hardworking and passionate volunteers, interns and staff. They work tirelessly to rehabilitate marine mammals and turtles that have been injured or become sick. Providing these patients with medical treatment and whatever care that will lead to their release back into the ocean.

Additionally the National Marine Life Center provides educational programs for the public to help raise awareness of our nearby marine environment.

It’s a pleasure to be associated with such a worthy organization that provides such a critical role in meeting the needs of marine wildlife

I worked as a volunteer on the Animal Care team for over a year. It was a wonderful experience. The work and respect for the animals is top notch and an irreplaceable resource . In these environmentally troubled-times they are a beacon of hope. Please keep the NMLC going with your support and be a voice for the creatures that need us.
NB

I have loved the experience I have gotten at NMLC! I have learned so much from gaining hands on experience during my time here. It is also such a rewarding place to volunteer at getting to be part of successful releasing native wildlife back in to the wild.

NMLC has held a special place in my life for the last year and a half. This organization provides incomparable internship and volunteer opportunities working hands on with marine wildlife. For a small staff, this non-profit relies heavily on its volunteers which allows the people involved to learn quickly and participate in countless opportunities. The public education NMLC offers is fun, interactive and inspiring. From observing specimen in the Discovery Center to joining a drop-in education program provides a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about our native marine life and initiative to live sustainably. This organization is an essential part of the community and resource to help animals in need, primarily impacted by humans. I encourage anyone to check this place out!

The National Marine Life Center provides a very unique opportunity not only in helping our marine life through rehabilitation and release but in learning and educating others. They serve the community and the field of Marine Sciences with the knowledge learned through hands on animal care. As not only a donor but a volunteer on the animal care team as well, I am very impressed with the exceptional service to the animals and community they provide. Nice work NMLC!

The work this organization does is outstanding. Not only do they work hard rehabilitating marine wildlife, but they also have wonderful educational programs in their discovery center. I brought my 4 year old granddaughter over the summer and the staff did a wonderful job explaining how the National Marine Life Center performs examinations of the stranded animals when they come in. It was a great learning experience for us both!

Efficiently run, clean facility, quick recovery and fantastic staff!

Poorly run non profit. Don't let their so called "mission" fool you. Director and staff (not volunteers or interns) are rude, mean and ask the volunteers to outright lie to the public. I have no idea how they have received so many positive reviews... They need a new director and to get rid of her henchmen too!

NMLC is a wonderful organization located near the Cape Cod Canal. They have a nice visitor center for the public to visit, and they are one of only a few organizations in all of New England working to help injured marine life. I have worked with Kathy and other staff members of NMLC for years, and respect their passion for protecting marine life.

Truly an extraordinary charitable foundation , dedicated to the wellbeing of turtles and seals. I was privileged to be granted a tour of the facilities and meet the kind and talented people who dedicate their time to these animals. I was humbled by their knowledge , commitment and generous hearts. Their mission is honest, caring and worthwhile ...please, if you are looking to make a difference in the research and care for these animals this is THE place to make a donation.

The National Marine Life Center, Inc. provides critical services on Cape Cod. Not only are they leaders in the rehabilitation of our beloved native marine animals, they provide necessary education and disseminate facts about the health of our marine environments and marine animals. NMLC forms a bridge between the scientific community and the general public, drawing an important link between ocean health and human health. They are on the forefront of understanding what impacts these marine animals face in the wild, and work closely with the community to educate on how we all as individuals, can help to reduce these negative impacts. NMLC is an incredibly valuable organization and their presence is absolutely critical to Cape Cod, an area so rich in wildlife diversity on land, air and sea. Bravo NMLC!

The National Marine Life Center is a tremendous asset to the Cape's wildlife and community. The organization rehabilitates and releases stranded marine animals and takes the opportunity to learn from each case.

We had a chance to visit the National Marine Life Center during an August 2018 trip to Cape Cod; what a wonderful, conservation-minded organization rehabilitating seals and turtles stranded on the Cape. The visitors center highlights the life cycle and lives of these marine creatures and their impact on the Cape Cod/Atlantic Ocean ecosystem. Very engaging experience- and we especially enjoyed watching the rehabbing seals and Etta the Kemp’s Ridley Seal Turtle at lunchtime on the viewing cams. We even “adopted” Lindsay the terrapin. A gear organization!

The National Marine Life Center is truly amazing--its three-fold mission is so critical, and for what they are able to do as a (very) small non-profit led by an incredible staff and fabulous corps of volunteers is phenomenal. even after serving in the Air Force for 25 years, volunteering with NMLC now that I'm retired has been one of the most rewarding experience of my life.

I have had a great experience with the National Marine Life Center. As a volunteer I have never had any issues and have always been treated with respect. They do education programs for the kids and make it a fun place to learn. Now as part of the staff team I am still respected and treated fairly. We have a strong team of very knowledgable people from volunteers to Interns to the staff members. Its a great place to visit and to work in.

Staff turnover at the end of 2017 lead to a great lack of skills needed for this organization to grow. Very disappointed in how their volunteers are treated. Their staff lacks appreciation for the hours donated by the volunteers who play out their mission and work. The staff is rude, unfiltered and extremely unprofessional.

I have been associated with the NMLC for over ten years in a variety of roles from volunteer to Board member and now Chairman of the Board of Director's. NMLC has come a long way and has cared for numerous wounded and sick animals, nursing them back to health so that they could return to the sea. Now more that an ever the NMLC is needed to help these magnificent animals who are being exposed to 'our' calamities on a daily basis.

As a local public high school teacher of environmental sciences, the staff at NMLC have been and continue to be extremely supportive over the years. Staff at the NMLC have continued to be active on my school program's advisory board twice a year. The NMLC have also opened their facility to support student projects and encourage and promote student interest within the field of marine sciences. Also,the NMLC facility is a great addition to the revitalization of

I have been volunteering at NMLC for 3 years. during that time I have seen the good that they have done for the wildlife of the Cape Cod area. I have seen NMLC develop from a collapsing warehouse to a new almost open state of the art facility.

I visited their facility for the first time over this past weekend and was amazed by the importance of what they do in terms of providing full rehabilitation services to marine mammals and turtles, including highly endangered species. Not only do they provide these services but they are the ONLY facility in the area where the strandings occur. They are in the process of completing a renovation that will allow for a much greater capacity and will include a tank suitable for a pilot whale! In addition, they will now be able to take in dolphins and many more turtles. They are not a top-heavy organization and provide quality care where otherwise, in some cases, none would be available. I am extremely impressed by this and as a 20+ year, full-time resident of Cape Cod, very grateful that they are here to support some of our most exquisite wildlife.

I have been visiting the NMLC since last year. The kids love seeing all the turtles and the displays. Story and crafts with interns in the summer is fun and educational. I've also brought my cub scout group to learn about conservation and how to take care of an oil spill. They run a great program for kids and I've recommended NMLC to all my friends!!

The NMLC works hard to bring awareness about marine animal health, and to rehabilitate injured sea animals. The NMLC seems to do a lot with a little; the economy has hit organizations hard but they still keep going on the work that they do so well. My 3.5-year old son is always asking to go to the education center to visit the turtles. It's a great place.

I have volunteered with NMLC for two years and was part of the community effort that helped get them established there in downtown Buzzards Bay more than a decade ago. Although they struggled for years with funding issues, they now represent a wonderful lifesaving resource to stranded marine animals throughout Cape Cod. The new facilities are first class, they have mobilized a network of dedicated professionals to lead the board of trustees, and the staff is top notch – talented and caring. With the largest number of stranding occurring in this area, this marine animal hospital and educational facility is perfectly positioned to involve many volunteers in the inevitable rescue efforts, advance the science of marine animals and save the lives of stranded animals.

Nothing is more frustrating than going to check on a marine mammal, discovering it really needs care, and having no space in any care facility on the Eastern seaboard to take the animal. Second to that is having to drive an animal in a truck or car for hours to get it a rehabilitation facility. Seeing both of those scenarios firsthand proved to me that we need the National Marine Life Center and its marine mammal and turtle hospital so much here in southeastern Massachusetts. NMLC helps educate residents and visitors on these animals and what they mean to our environment; it will soon provide the facility and rehabilitative care many of the animals in our waters need; and it advances research in order to drive conservation efforts based on sound science. These are reasons I do whatever is needed to help the NMLC achieve its goals and mission each week.

I have volunteered for the NMLC for over a year now and it is one of the most rewarding activities I have ever done. I believe that you can not save or protect an animal that the people do not know exists. We are teaching young and old that these wonderful creatures do exist and even more trying to explain their place in 'our world'. We are privileged to live on Cape Cod where the opportunity to catch people's attention for all sea creatures is maximized. We also are in a great education and research center. We are able to take advantage of these centers such as Woods Hole and Mass Maritime. We did a series of CT scan on one of our sea turtles who managed to eat part of his tank equipment. Turtles do everything slowly; it took a month to pass. The students at Mass Maritime are our constant helpers. They do everything from painting walls to water control testing. And they always have a smile on their faces. It is definitely a cooperative experience with all parties concerned, The marine animals with which we work are connected to all the other parts of the ocean and land. What effects them eventually effects us all.

We have been volunteering at the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) for 2-1/2 years, and are so impressed at the dedication and resourcefulness of NMLC staff and volunteers. When staff members come in on their own late at night to check on a turtle being rehabilitated, that is genuine concern for the welfare of that animal. And, when a staff member comes up with the solution to install temporary tanks, when the building housing the tanks unfortunately failed and had to be demolished, that is amazing resourcefulness. With the present economy, it has been a struggle acquiring the funds to finish the new hospital, but the staff persevere in following any grant or donor option. And, from the response for donations that are coming in, many people besides NMLC staff and volunteers realize how important it is to have a marine hospital located in Buzzards Bay, nearer to the animal strandings that routinely occur on Cape Cod. We have been present at the release of endangered/special concern head-started northern red-bellied cooters, diamondback terrapins, and rehabilitated kemp ridley sea turtles that we helped care for. The number of young and old spectators at these releases is astounding, indicating people really do care. Along with booths at fairs and festivals, NMLC staff and volunteers promote the love of nature, marine animals and science to school children. It is this new generation who will need to become involved to make sure these endangered animals do not disappear.