Mystic Aquarium's Observation Deck Allows For Staff And Marine Mammal Watching

By Rebecca Giantonio

Mystic, Conn. - The newly constructed Gurdon and Kathy Wattles Marine Mammal Observatory overlooks Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s Aquatic Animal Study Center. The study center is the site of the aquarium’s animal health clinic, research laboratory and the kitchen where all the food for the animals is prepared.

Though the center is closed to the public, the observatory provides visitors the opportunity to see and learn about the animals staying in the center’s two large, circular pools.

The pools house animals that have been rescued and are undergoing rehabilitation, will join the aquarium’s collection of animals and under quarantine for a short period of time, or are from other facilities and need temporary housing.

The observatory is a gift from Gurdon Wattles, a member of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Kathy. Additional contributions came from the New York Community Trust and Dr. George M. Milne, chairman of the aquarium’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Carol.

Current Residents

Four Pacific white-sided dolphins are currently staying at the Aquatic Animal Study Center until spring 2009. The animals come from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, which is currently renovating its Oceanarium exhibit where the dolphins live.
Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) are distinguished by their black backs, gray sides and white bellies. A suspender-like stripe runs down each side. These speedy swimmers rely on the up-and-down movement of their flukes, or flattened lobes of the tail, to propel them forward.
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration has never before housed these fascinating creatures, which awe visitors with their natural behaviors.

Observatory Information

CAPACITY: 49

SPECS: 2,520 square feet – 63 feet by 40 feet wide and 32 feet high at its peak. The viewing deck is 250 square feet and 6 feet high.

ARCHITECT: Capital Studio Architects of East Hartford, Conn. Carlin Construction Company of New London, Conn., was the contractor.

MATERIALS: Steel beams and pressure-treated wood. Deck is made of “weather best” brand composite, made from recycled wood with polymer resins. The ramp canopy consists of painted steel and a metal roof. Construction took place over two months.