The Birds are Back in Town: Maritime Aquarium Welcomes Lorikeets

By Courtney Oarr, GHS Student Intern, UVM Class of ’18

With age we come to realize a loss of fascination once held towards places we were fond of as children. As a child, a place I found alluring was the Maritime Aquarium in South Norwalk. Not having visited the aquarium in at least five years, I wasn’t sure what to expect when we ventured there on our first day of internship. Upon walking through the doors of the aquarium I found that it still held a subliminal aura of enchantment as did the exhibit we visited which featured, Lorikeets.

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Two Lorikeets perched on the wrist of Dave Sigworth of the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Credit: Matt Pignataro

Lorikeets are small, brightly colored parrots that inhabit locations with tropical climates. At the Maritime Aquarium these birds can be found outside, contained in a greenhouse-like room called the Aviary, overlooking the Norwalk River. The aquarium is the temporary home to more than 50 Lorikeets of varied species. At this exhibit the audience is welcome to interact freely with the birds and given a chance to feed them by holding out a small container of nectar.

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GFP editor Leslie Yager and a pair of Lorikeets. Credit: Matt Pignataro

The Lorikeets were first introduced to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in May of 2013. They quickly gained popularity and were just recently brought back for the public to enjoy.

The exhibit closes for a half hour at 1:30 pm so the birds have a period of rest prior to entertaining the next wave of guests.

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Harbor seal at Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Credit: Matt Pignataro

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Harbor seal at Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Credit: Matt Pignataro

The exhibit will close at 4:30 pm from May through June and 5:30 pm from July through August.

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Matt Pignataro checking out the meerkats at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Credit: Leslie Yager

This exhibit poses the opportunity for humans to take a peek into the lives of Lorikeets. Expect a a truly memorable and unique experience, and while you’re there make sure to stop to see the harbor seals and the meerkats!

The Lorikeets Exhibit opens May 24. Entry into “Lorikeets” will be free with Aquarium admission. Nectar cups are $3.00 each. The Maritime Aquarium is located at 10 N Water St in Norwalk. Tel. (203) 852-0700.

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