Past Projects

Artificial insemination of beluga whales

Beluga whales are very popular and often part of zoo and aquarium collection animals; however there are only approximately 30 captive belugas within the United States . Many of these animals constitute an older population with reduced reproductive potential, and as there are so few captive animals in total, genetic diversity is limited among this population. Transport of these large marine mammals can be risky, difficult and costly.

Effect of an artificial fish diet on beluga whales

In zoos and aquariums the staple diet for marine mammals and piscivorus (fish-eating) birds is freshly thawed, previously frozen fish and squid. Challenges to these facilities include the procurement of quality food-grade fish and the maintenance of diet diversity as over-harvesting has lead to a diminished supply of some species of fish that were once considered dietary staples of captive marine mammals.

Monitoring blood values and hormone levels in molting African penguins

The issue of stress and whether the molt itself is stressful to penguins has not been examined. At Mystic Aquarium we are striving to establish the baseline immunological status of our collection animals so that in the event of illness, we can use this information to help us better understand the disease and treatment options.

Mystic Aquarium

Artificial insemination of beluga whales

Effect of an artificial fish diet on beluga whales

Monitoring blood values and hormone levels in molting African penguins

Our Mission