Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

Animal Management Specialist

Gayle Sirpenski has a longstanding history with Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, having first served as an interpreter in the Education Department in 1979. She was also a Senior Aquarist and Lab Technician, supervising staff in the daily care and management of marine mammals, penguins, and fishes, as well as water quality analysis. Since 1991, Gayle has been a member of the Research and Veterinary Services Department with the critical role and title of Animal Management Specialist. Her responsibilities include the management of all animal medical records and inventories, ensuring that the aquarium is compliant with all state and federal government permit and regulatory requirements, and acting as the liaison with other institutions regarding animal transfers, loan agreements and management programs. She manages the biological sample requisition and distribution and is responsible for monitoring the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee as well as chairing the Mystic Aquarium Intern Advisory Board. Gayle has been a member of the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA) since 1990 and is active on numerous conservation and animal management committees. She is a member of the Marine Mammal Taxon Advisory Group and a founding member of the Penguin Taxon Advisory Group and the African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP). These committees evaluate the need for captive propagation and management of a group of related species, as well as facilitate programs and research projects that address health issues and promote in situ conservation.