Maritime Aquarium To Hold 'Seal-A-Bration' For Pup's First Birthday

Information via the Maritime Aquarium

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk will host a "seal-a-bration" in April to celebrate harbor seal pup Sono's first birthday.

According to a news release, guests can stop by the aquarium April 5-7 for special offerings, including free admission for those born on April 5, Sono's birthday.

To redeem free admission, tickets must be purchased at the door with proof of birthday.

"Watching Sono grow over the past year has been a joy for our animal husbandry team," Director of Animal Husbandry Rachel Stein said in a news release. "His curious personality, which delights staff and guests alike, has quickly made him one of our most popular animals at the aquarium."

Guests will have the opportunity to make a birthday hat craft, get their faces painted, sign a jumbo birthday card for Sono, enjoy limited edition treats and receive a commemorative party favor, according to the aquarium.

Guests can also join the animal husbandry team in singing "Happy Birthday" during seal training demonstrations at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Sono was named after the neighborhood of South Norwalk where the aquarium is located and he was born. Sono weighed 18 pounds at birth and weighs over 90 pounds today, according to the aquarium.

In his first year of life, Sono learned to hold his breath underwater for extended periods of time and how to eat fish.

According to the aquarium, Sono's first birthday marks another developmental milestone: he is now a yearling. In this phase of life, he will experience his first molt and build his training repertoire so that he can participate in his own healthcare, according to the aquarium.