CRAM-ECOMARE

Located in Ílhavo, CRAM-ECOMARE is the largest rescue centre for marine animals in Europe.

Coordinated by the Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Aveiro and Oceanário de Lisboa, the ECOMARE Marine Animal Rehabilitation Centre works on rehabilitating marine animals and releasing them back into the wild.

Treating these animals involves special veterinary care and excellent facilities suitable for different species. CRAM-ECOMARE relies on a multidisciplinary team of professionals including veterinary doctors and nurses, biologists and caretakers. This 24-hour team covers 186 miles along the northern and central Portuguese coast. The centre has the capacity to receive 1000 marine animals (birds, mammals and turtles) every year.

Every year, hundreds of marine animals are found injured or ill along the coast. Their rescue and rehabilitation are a duty that falls on all of us. An unprecedented effort is being made to integrate the growing economic development associated with the sea with policies and actions that help to reduce human impact and guarantee the conversation of iconic species that are vital to the well-being of the ocean.

The goal of rehabilitating these animals consists in releasing them back into nature as quickly as possible, while ensuring that they are treated and well looked after.

With this amazing project for recovering and releasing marine animals back into nature, Oceanário de Lisboa is able to strengthen its commitment to ocean conservation.