Mystic Aquarium Adds CT Scanner to Best-in-Class Veterinary Care
November 18, 2025MYSTIC, CT (November 18, 2025) – Mystic Aquarium has announced the installation of a computed tomography (CT) scanner, strengthening the organization’s leading role providing world class animal care and as a premier rescue and rehabilitation center for aquatic animals. This new equipment increases the veterinarians’ ability to assess health, diagnose disease, and monitor therapeutic outcomes for animals in their care. The new state-of-the-art technology adds to the capabilities of the Aquarium’s Wiederhold Foundation Veterinary and Animal Health Center, which also features a general exam room, an imaging room for radiographs, ultrasounds, and endoscopy, a clinical laboratory, and a fully equipped surgery suite.
“The on-site CT scanner is a significant advancement for our veterinary care program, furthering our commitment to delivering world class animal care to aquatic animals, especially for critically endangered sea turtles and African penguins,” said Dr. Allison Tuttle, Chief Zoological Officer at Mystic Aquarium. “This innovative addition to our diagnostic capabilities further strengthens our conservation efforts here at Mystic Aquarium.”
Made possible through funding through a $2 million Federal Appropriation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and significant investment by the organization, the technology allows the veterinarians at Mystic Aquarium to see the animals’ anatomy- from bone to internal organs – in 3D. Through careful evaluation of these images, veterinarians have the ability to identify diseases earlier, monitor responses to treatments, plan surgeries, and so much more!
“We are deeply honored to receive this innovative technology through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which recognizes Mystic Aquarium’s leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and saving species,” said Michael Finley, Senior Director of Government Relations at Mystic Aquarium. “We greatly appreciate Senators Murphy and Blumenthal and Representatives Courtney and DeLauro for their steadfast support and championing of Mystic Aquarium’s vital work in conservation, research, and education.”
Installed in October, the CT scanner has already enabled Mystic Aquarium veterinarians to treat animals such as critically endangered sea turtles and African penguins, including the following instances:
-
Earlier this year the oldest penguin in the colony at Mystic Aquarium developed a stone in his cloaca that caused a blockage. The stone was successfully removed, and he has been under close monitoring and additional treatments since. A recent CT scan enabled the organization’s veterinarians to thoroughly screen him for new stones, determine that the treatments were working, and to evaluate whether there were additional abnormalities. Fortunately, none were found, and the penguin remains comfortable and stone-free.
-
A female juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle that stranded with illness and injuries resulting from hypothermia, or cold stunning, and was undergoing rehabilitation by Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program had severely reduced shoulder mobility. By using CT imaging, Mystic Aquarium’s veterinarians have been able to better track the progression of her healing over time.
Legislators, community partners, and sponsors are essential to Mystic Aquarium’s continued growth and sustainability. Their contributions help fund critical conservation initiatives, educational programs, and scientific research. By securing funding for the state-of-the-art CT scanner, Mystic Aquarium will continue delivering world class veterinary care for aquatic animals, including those critically endangered.
For more information about the CT scanner and Mystic Aquarium’s veterinary care, please visit: www.mysticaquarium.org/research-and-conservation/aquatic-animal-health/veterinary-science/
To support the organization’s efforts to save endangered species, rescue stranded animals, and more, please visit: www.mysticaquarium.org/support-us/ways-to-give/