University of New England

A female harbor porpoise, housed at the University of New England’s Marine Science Center, was released into the Gulf of Maine Oct. 6, 2004.
 
The porpoise was rescued in March 2004 by the New England Aquarium and Marine Animal Lifeline on the coast of Harpswell, Maine. The animal, suffering from frost bite damage to its flukes and gastronomical problems, was completely healed by the time of its release and had gained 30 pounds since its rescue.

The porpoise spent its last months at the Marine Science Center in a specially built pool located immediately outside of the Marine
Science Center facing the Saco River on a concrete apron.

The recovery pool is designed for porpoises, dolphins and small whales. Temperature controlled saltwater is piped directly into the pool from the Marine Science Center. The outdoor pool allows Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center staff and volunteers to "walk" the animals.

Porpoises, solitary creatures found off the Mid-Atlantic coast during the winter, migrate north to the Gulf of Maine during the warmer months.
 
To release the porpoise, it was loaded from the University Dock into the Marine Science Center's new boat and taken out about two miles for release.

The porpoise was the second to be rehabilitated at the Marine Science Center. The first harbor porpoise, which came to the UNE Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center in September 2003, was released January 20, 2004.

(Press release issued Oct. 6, 2004)