Veterinary Science
Our Mystic Aquarium veterinary team members are experts in the medical care and welfare of exotic and aquatic animal species. The veterinarians oversee all aspects of animal health for the aquarium animals as well as stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue program. The veterinary team is also actively engaged in the advancement of aquatic animal health through contributions to clinical research and wildlife conservation efforts.
Wiederhold Foundation Veterinary and Animal Health Center
This 1,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2015, provides our veterinary staff with state-of-the-art medical resources, enabling the world-class care for which Mystic Aquarium is known. The Center includes a fully equipped surgery suite with advanced diagnostic, anesthesia, and surgical equipment, as well as a general exam room. The imaging room houses x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, and—added into our practice in 2025—a cutting-edge CT (Computed Tomography) unit that has significantly expanded our diagnostic capabilities, allowing for earlier detection and more accurate assessment of complex medical conditions. Our clinical laboratory supports timely and comprehensive analysis of samples, ensuring informed and effective treatment decisions. Adjacent to the facility is the Aquatic Animal Study Center, a 200,000-gallon system used for aquatic animal holding, quarantine, and rehabilitation—further reinforcing our commitment to excellence in animal care and conservation.
Take a peek at the space in action by watching some episodes from our Aquarium Rehab series:
Milne Ocean Science and Conservation Center
This facility, which opened in 2019, includes a 6,000 square foot temperature-controlled space housing 12 systems, 37 tanks of various sizes, and 45,000 gallons of water that is utilized for fish & invertebrate quarantine and sea turtle rehabilitation. The facility also features an aquaculture laboratory focused on the rearing of horseshoe crabs to help support declining wild populations.
Veterinary Team
Allison D. Tuttle, DVM, DACZM
Eric T. Anderson, DVM, DACZM
Molly Martony, DVM, DACZM
Tatiana Weisbrod, DVM, MS, DACZM
Emily Pepin, DVM
Allison D. Tuttle, DVM, DACZM
Senior Vice President of Zoological Operations
Allison D. Tuttle is the chief zoological officer at Mystic Aquarium where she serves on the Aquarium’s leadership team and oversees the Aquarium’s veterinary, animal husbandry, dive, environmental quality, and animal rescue operations. She contributes to numerous research and grant initiatives and has authored nearly 30 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals. Tuttle serves as a mentor for students and veterinary interns. Within the community, Tuttle has been recognized as a Woman of Innovation and with a 40 Under 40 award.
Tuttle earned her B.S. in Biology and Psychology from Washington College and her DVM from North Carolina State University. She completed Mystic Aquarium’s internship in Aquatic Animal Medicine and Research and completed a residency in Zoological Medicine with a focus on Aquatic Health Management at North Carolina State University. She serves as a member or chair of multiple professional organizations and has earned many awards for her service. Of note, Tuttle served as a Fulbright program specialist in 2018, traveling to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Taiwan to train staff and build capacity in animal care and veterinary medicine for the organization’s aquatic animal collection, with a focus on the Aquarium’s belugas.
Eric T. Anderson, DVM, DACZM
Senior Director of Animal Care and Welfare
Eric Anderson is the senior director of Animal Care and Welfare at Mystic Aquarium. In this role, he oversees all aspects of animal health and welfare for the animals at the Aquarium and the Animal Rescue Program. Anderson started his career in marine sciences, as a volunteer and later as a hospital technician, at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, where he cared for dolphins, whales and sea turtles at the Dolphin and Whale and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation hospitals. He received his DVM in 2005 from the University of Florida, and after a one-year small animal internship, he completed a one-year aquatic medicine internship at Mote. Following the internship, Anderson joined Mote as an associate veterinarian and continued to provide veterinary care to aquatic animals at the rehabilitation hospitals. He completed a three-year residency in Zoological Medicine at North Carolina State University, during which he rotated through several outside public, private, and research institutions across the United States and Canada, providing veterinary support to their operations. Anderson is board certified in zoological medicine with the American College of Zoological Medicine and is an active member of multiple national and international veterinary organizations.
Molly Martony, DVM, DACZM
Senior Veterinarian
Molly Martony is a senior veterinarian at Mystic Aquarium, where she is responsible for the health and welfare of the animals at the Aquarium and wildlife in the rescue program. She is a board-certified specialist of aquatic and zoological medicine through the American College of Zoological Medicine. Previously Martony completed the Aquatic Animal Medicine Residency at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and SeaWorld Orlando. Prior to the residency, she completed a small animal medicine internship, followed by an aquatic animal medicine internship through the National Marine Mammal Foundation and SeaWorld San Diego.
Tatiana Weisbrod, DVM, MS, DACZM
Tatiana Weisbrod is a Senior Veterinarian at Mystic Aquarium, responsible for the health and welfare of the aquarium’s animals and care of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation in our Animal Rescue Clinic. She completed a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at VCA West Los Angeles, an Aquatic Animal Health Specialty Internship at the University of Florida, a master’s degree focused on Florida manatee calf pathology, and a Residency in Aquatic Animal Medicine through the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a board-certified specialist of zoological and aquatic animal medicine through the American College of Zoological Medicine. Prior to joining Mystic Aquarium, she was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida with clinical work at SeaWorld Orlando.
