The Virginia Aquarium opens a new Stranding Response center

The Virginia Aquarium has opened a new Stranding Response center. The Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center (DMACC) is the first facility on the East Coast that handles sea turtle and seal rehabilitation and necropsies in one location.

The center has new rehabilitation holding pools and animal care spaces, as well as new office space that provides logistical and tech support for the aquarium’s scientists. There are also spaces designed for collaborative efforts between the center and universities, and state and local partners.

The Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center (DMACC) honors the Darden family, which contributed significantly to the facility. The Darden family was awarded the first-ever Virginia Aquarium Conservation Champion award for helping provide the necessary tools to make impactful actions that protect the marine environment.

Anyone can make a gift to the Aquarium Fund to help support the Stranding Response Program’s operations and animal care.