Maritime Aquarium to Hold Special Shark Feeding Times

From the The Maritime Aquarium: Help with the morning feedings of some of the sharks, rays, turtles and other stars of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in special behind-the-scenes programs offered Sat., April 8 and Thurs., April 13 called “Feeding Time."

This fun experience gives participants exclusive access to some of their favorite marine animals by letting them join educators and the animal-husbandry staff during morning rounds prior to the Aquarium’s opening. Opportunities include:

• Feeling the vacuuming power of rays on your palm as you offer morsels in the Shark & Ray Touch Pool.
• Hand-feeding a horseshoe crab and diamondback terrapin.
• Going above the Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit to watch as Aquarium staff feed the 7-foot sharks prowling just below your feet. Toss in some bonus food for the sharks and the exhibit’s rays and other fish.
• Attending a private seal feeding open only to “Feeding Time” participants.

“Feeding Time” participants get fed too: the program starts at 8 a.m. with a hot breakfast in the Aquarium’s Cascade Café.

“ ‘Feeding Time’ is a great way to deepen your experiences here at The Maritime Aquarium beyond a typical visit,” said Dave Sigworth, the Aquarium’s spokesman. “Plus, both the April 8th and April 13th presentations are a fun family activity for folks staying close to home during local schools’ spring-break week.”

Children must be at least 5 years old. Cost is $50 for adults and $25 for ages 5-12 ($45 and $20 for members). Aquarium admission at 10 a.m. is included.

Advance registration is required. Call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or register online here under “Public Programs.”

Photo Credit to The Maritime Aquarium: Aquarist Sandi Schaefer-Padgett feeds the sand tiger sharks from above the Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit in The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Participants in “Feeding Time” programs on April 8 and 13 get to watch a shark feeding from at the railing during these special behind-the-scenes opportunities. Sign up to get unique access to your favorite animals – and help feed some of them too here.