Groton, Conn. (February 22, 2020) – After reaching and exceeding their $25,000 individual challenge goals, Rodney Butler and Rob Valenti joined a large contingent of Mystic Aquarium supporters who plunged into the surf at Eastern Point Beach in Groton this afternoon for the seventh annual Seal Splash in support of the Aquarium’s Animal Rescue program.  With several days still left to fundraise, the event has raised nearly $70,000 for Mystic Aquarium’s mission programs including its Animal Rescue Program - a new record for the event.

With an air temperature of 42 degrees and the water at a chilly 29 degrees, Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and Valenti, President/General Manager of the Valenti Family of Dealerships, were among the over 65 hale and hardy participants.  ‘Splashers’ included staff, volunteers, program First Responders and more.

Mystic Aquarium’s dedicated Animal Rescue Team provides specialized and compassionate care for the rehabilitation of stranded and rescued animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. Since 1975, Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program has been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured and stranded marine animals along 1,000 miles of coastline throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and Fishers Island, New York. Under the direction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, Mystic Aquarium responds to hundreds of stranded animal calls each year and provides support to our colleagues at other stranding facilities around the country.

About Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program supports animals in need and educates the public about the marine environment and its inhabitants. The public is encouraged to call the Aquarium’s 24-hour hotline at 860.572.5955 ext. 107 if they encounter a marine mammal or sea turtle in Conn., R.I. or Fishers Island, N.Y.  Mystic Aquarium is a founding member of the Northeast Region Stranding Network. This network is comprised of organizations along the eastern sea coast which have facilities and trained staff to care for sick and injured animals.  Marine mammals are protected species, so only groups and facilities authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service are permitted to handle these animals.

About Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums, offering exemplary care to a variety of species while also serving as the northeast’s premier marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center. Robust conservation and education programming along with unparalleled visitor experiences serve to strengthen personal connections to the animals and their environments. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect the ocean planet through conservation, education and research, and introduces approximately 800,000 guests annually to thousands of animals through structured interpretations, specially curated exhibits and hands-on interactions. As a leading research organization, Mystic Aquarium employs a full staff of scientists engaged in projects focused on the conservation and sustainability of our ocean planet.

Media Contact:
Adam Lambert
Foxwoods Resort Casino
860.312.3286
ajalbert@foxwoods.com