Maritime Aquarium Welcomes New Harbor Seal In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium announced this week the arrival of a new 8‑year‑old harbor seal at the Norwalk facility.

According to a news release provided by the aquarium, Kaya arrived in Norwalk earlier this month from the Aquarium of the Pacific in California and is now on exhibit at the Maritime Aquarium's Pinniped Cove exhibit.

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Born on April 20, 2018, at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Kaya brings both energy and warmth to her new home, according to the Maritime Aquarium.

The aquarium noted visitors can easily spot Kaya among the Norwalk facility's three other seals thanks to her uniquely spotted fur pattern.

She has also quickly adapted to her new surroundings, according to the aquarium.

"This was an exciting opportunity for us not only to grow our population inside Pinniped Cove but also to collaborate with the Aquarium of the Pacific," Dylan Salamone, assistant curator at the Maritime Aquarium, said in a news release. "Kaya is doing great and adjusting well to her new habitat. She is a confident female harbor seal and took little to no time getting used to her new exhibit and counterparts. In fact, on Kaya’s first night on the exhibit, we saw her hauled out with everyone to sleep, which was a great sign."

According to the aquarium, Kaya came to the Norwalk facility through a partnership with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and Aquarium of the Pacific as part of an ongoing effort to support animal care, welfare and conservation.

"Ambassadors like Kaya play a vital role in helping guests understand and appreciate these animals and the challenges they face," Rachel Stein, director of animal husbandry at the Maritime Aquarium, said in a news release, "and inspire them to take actions that protect harbor seals and other animals in Long Island Sound."

Guests can see Kaya in Pinniped Cove, where seal feedings take place daily at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to the aquarium.

More information is available at maritimeaquarium.org.