A new immersive summer experience at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk invites visitors to have an unforgettable and up-close encounter with lorikeets, brightly-colored birds from Australia, Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia.
The lorikeets, which are known for their rainbow-like plumage, are social birds who often interact with visitors. Guests are welcome to observe the birds in the tented aviary or feed them from small cups of nectar. The lorikeets will have free range inside the tent, so visitors may even find a bird perched on their head or shoulder!
“We’re thrilled to welcome lorikeets to The Maritime Aquarium as a special exhibit for the summer,” said Rachel Stein, Director of Animal Husbandry at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. “Part of our strategy and commitment to being ‘an aquarium without walls’ is to offer immersive experiences to our guests and inspire them to learn more about a wide variety of animals and ecosystems.”
The Maritime Aquarium has a range of opportunities for visitors to interact with aquatic wildlife in hands-on touch pools, including pools for Atlantic sturgeon, rays and sharks, jellyfish and invertebrates like crabs, snails, whelk and clams. Additionally, the Aquarium’s 4D theater features interactive films for visitors of all ages. The “Meet Lorikeets” habitat is one more adventure awaiting guests this summer.
The “Meet Lorikeets” exhibit runs now through Labor Day. The experience is included in the price of admission; cups of nectar are an additional $5. “Meet Lorikeets” is in an enclosed planted aviary and is accessible from inside the Aquarium.
THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK works to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. The Aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals of hundreds of species including seals, sharks, rays, jellies, turtles and meerkats. Additionally, it offers sensory-enhanced 4D movies, educational programs for schools and families, and leads conservation activities to better protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the Sound. The Maritime Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and receives support from the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism. For more information, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.
