The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is excited to announce the arrival of Kaya, an 8‐year‐old harbor seal.
Kaya arrived in Norwalk in April from the Aquarium of the Pacific in California and is now on exhibit at The Maritime Aquarium’s Pinniped Cove. Born on April 20, 2018, at the Aquarium of the Pacific, she brings both energy and warmth to her new home.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is excited to announce the arrival of Kaya, an
8‐year‐old harbor seal. Contributed photo
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is excited to announce the arrival of Kaya, an 8‐year‐old harbor seal. Contributed photo
Visitors can easily spot Kaya among the Aquarium’s other seals — Gracie, Sono, and Mikey — thanks to her uniquely spotted fur pattern. She has quickly adapted to her new surroundings.
“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,” said Dylan Salamone, assistant curator at The Maritime Aquarium.
“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.”
Kaya came to The Maritime Aquarium through a partnership with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and Aquarium of the Pacific — part of an ongoing effort to support animal care, welfare, and conservation. The Aquarium participates in AZA’s Species Survival Plan, a cooperative program that helps ensure the long-term sustainability of healthy animal populations in human care. Kaya’s arrival reflects The Maritime Aquarium’s ongoing commitment to exceptional animal care and dynamic, mission-driven exhibits.
“Ambassadors like Kaya play a vital role in helping guests understand and appreciate these animals and the challenges they face, and inspire them to take actions that protect harbor seals and other animals in Long Island Sound,” said Rachel Stein, director of Animal Husbandry at The Maritime Aquarium.
Guests can see Kaya in Pinniped Cove and learn more about harbor seals, their adaptations, and conservation challenges. They can also catch a seal feeding, which occurs daily at 11:30am and 3:00pm.
For more information about The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.
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.