Maritime Aquarium

Rasal Will Bark No More: Maritime Aquarium's Eldest Harbor Seal Passes on to Pinniped Paradise at Age 40

By DARIENITE.COM | October 17, 2025

Rasal passed away this morning, Oct. 17, due to age-related health complications. At 40 years old, she far exceeded the typical 22-year life expectancy of harbor seals in captivity, placing her among the five oldest known in the country. A news release from The Maritime Aquarium expressed anguish over the animal’s demise:

“The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is deeply saddened to announce the passing of
Rasal, a beloved harbor seal who spent nearly two decades in Norwalk inspiring guests, mentoring trainers and leading her fellow seals with intelligence, grace and courage.” Born in 1985 and rescued as a pup off the coast of Maine, Rasal came to the Norwalk aquarium in 2005 from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

Maritime Aquarium Launches Sound Explorer, a New Research Vessel for Visitors

'Turtle Odyssey 4D' Short Movie at Maritime Aquarium

Maritime Aquarium Makes Changes Early on Saturday, April 6 for Those Who Need a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Sono, the Harbor Seal Pup at The Maritime Aquarium, Is Having His First Birthday — and You're Invited

Maritime Aquariun 2024

Maritime Aquarium Life Among the Grasses exhibit

Aquarium’s New Exhibit Shows Life in Salt Marshes with Plants, Over 12 Animals, a Kiosk and a Tide Tank

By DARIENITE.COM | March 25, 2024

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is inviting guests to explore Life Among the Grasses, its new exhibit dedicated to salt marshes. The immersive experience features creatures of Long Island Sound’s tidal habitats and examines ways these habitats have inspired culture. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
“We are proud and excited to welcome guests to our newest exhibit. Its ambitious design conveys not only how vital salt marshes are for our environmental and economic well-being, but also how central salt marshes are to our culture and identity over the millennia, stretching from Native American folklore to Grateful Dead albums,” said President and CEO Jason Patlis. As guests walk down the boardwalk and into the bilingual gallery, they will encounter diamondback terrapins, a species of concern in Connecticut, and learn about the threats these turtles face as they move from brackish water to nesting grounds.

Maritime Aquarium

Hey, This Is Science! Kansas City Chiefs Will Win Superbowl LVIII (According to Rascal)

By DARIENITE.COM | February 6, 2024

Are you ready for it? Following a swift dive to the bottom of The Maritime Aquarium’s harbor seal habitat, Rasal picked up a red toy torpedo, signifying her prediction that the Kansas City Chiefs will win Super Bowl LVIII. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
Rasal has a reputation to protect this year after correctly predicting the Kansas City Chiefs to win in 2023. Her current record is 2-3. Overall, the Aquarium’s seals have a 5-7 record.

Maritime Aquarium

Atlantic Sturgeon: Amazingly Ancient, Sometimes Very Large, Long-Lived and Now You Can Touch Some

By DARIENITE.COM | July 23, 2023

Ever wonder what Earth was like 200 million years ago? Visit The Maritime Aquarium’s new Sturgeon Touch Tank for an up-close encounter with Atlantic sturgeon, whose ancestors swam through the water long before dinosaurs roamed. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

“We are particularly excited about this new exhibit because it is especially rare — only a few aquariums in the nation have sturgeon touch tanks,” said President and CEO Jason Patlis. “We hope visitors come and enjoy this very unique experience and learn about a very unique species.”

Once abundant, Atlantic sturgeon were harmed by over-fishing, pollution, and dams blocking river routes. Today, these fish are classified as an endangered species and there are conservation efforts being made on both the federal and state levels to protect them.

Animals

Baby Born: 18 lbs., 2 Ounces, 30 Inches, Healthy

By DARIENITE.COM | May 1, 2023

At 11:36 a.m. on April 5, Gracie became mother to a son, Sono, at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. Both harbor seals are said to be doing just fine. — based on an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

Sono weighed in at 18 lbs., 2 ounces, and has already gained nearly 15 pounds. He’s growing bigger every day. Sono was 30 inches long at birth.

Maritime Aquarium

Long Island Sound Marine Life Encounter Cruises Have Begun, Continue Through October

By DARIENITE.COM | April 30, 2023

Ever wonder what lives below the surface of Long Island Sound? Join The Maritime Aquarium for a Marine Life Encounter Cruise to get an up close look at remarkable creatures. Cruises began on Sunday, April 30, and will run through October. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
“There is no better way to get a feel for the rich biodiversity of Long Island Sound than aboard our floating classroom for a Marine Life Encounter Cruise,” said Captain Nicki Rosenfeld. “We are excited to welcome guests to join us for this hands-on experience that explores the many habitats within the Sound.”

With help from passengers, three samples are collected from the water on each cruise — bringing up plankton, fish, crabs, mollusks, and more.

Maritime Aquarium

Be a Community Scientist: Help The Maritime Aquarium in the City Nature Challenge, Starting Friday

By DARIENITE.COM | April 25, 2023

Community scientists are encouraged to join The Maritime Aquarium in documenting species found across Fairfield and Westchester Counties from Friday, April 28 through Monday, May 1. “There is nature all around us. Knowing what species are in our city and where they are located helps scientists and land managers study and protect them,” said Senior Education Manager Bridget Cervero. “We look forward to having new and experienced community scientists participate in this important and exciting challenge!”
The City Nature Challenge is an annual BioBlitz competition among cities across the globe that was started in 2016 by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences. Teams are scored in three categories — total observations made, total number of species observed, and total number of observers. In 2022, the Aquarium ranked in the top 15 percent for number of observers, with 333 community scientists on its team.

Film

Poster for Rio: The 4D Experience short movie

‘Rio: The 4D Experience’ — a 12-Minute Film Playing at the Maritime Aquarium

By Darienite.com Staff | April 1, 2023

A new 4D experience is bringing the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro to Connecticut. Audiences can join Blu and Jewel, the last blue macaws on Earth, on an animated journey in “Rio: The 4D Experience” now playing at The Maritime Aquarium. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
In this 12-minute adaptation of the film, the unexpected duo is captured by bird smugglers and must work together despite Blu’s inability to fly. As they try to escape the claws of an evil cockatoo they must dodge beach balls, umbrellas, carnival floats, and beach-goers – finding courage, friendship and love along the way. “Rio: The 4D Experience” will play in the Aquarium’s 4D Theater along with BBC Earth’s “OCTOPUS: Blue Planet II 4D Experience,” which explores dynamic oceanic landscapes and one of the most captivating creatures that dwells there.

Maritime Aquarium

Check Out These Extra Benefits for Adults and Kids With Membership in The Maritime Aquarium

By DARIENITE.COM | March 31, 2023

Looking for something to do with the kids during spring break? Become a member of The Maritime Aquarium and unlock additional hours of fun! Monday, April 10, through Friday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., members will have an extra hour to explore all the Aquarium has to offer before opening to the general public. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
On Sunday, April 30, members will also have access to an exclusive breakfast with the Aquarium’s harbor seals. Pancakes with Pinnipeds will feature a before-hours seal training demonstration and a complimentary viewing of the Aquarium’s newest movie “RIO: The 4D Experience.”
“A membership to The Maritime Aquarium is something the entire family can enjoy together,” said Jodi Trice, the aquarium’s director of guest operations.

Animals

Aquarium Looking for Volunteers to Track Terrapins — an At-Risk Species in Connecticut

By DARIENITE.COM | March 21, 2023

The Maritime Aquarium is currently seeking volunteers to join its Terrapin Tracking Team to protect Northern Diamondback Terrapins, a species of concern in the State of Connecticut. Virtual training sessions will be held on Tuesday, March 28, and Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. for those interested in joining the team. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

“As a species of concern in Connecticut, Northern Diamondback Terrapins population is considered low and at risk without human intervention,” said Tom Naiman, vice president of education at the aquarium. “Community scientists who join our Terrapin Tracking Team will play a critical role is monitoring our local population, which will inform scientists who study local ecosystems,” Naiman said. These terrapins can be found in the brackish water off the coast.

Sports

Golf Tournament at Wee Burn Country Club on May 22 to Benefit Maritime Aquarium

By DARIENITE.COM | March 6, 2023

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will hold its Golf Classic on Monday, May 22 at the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien. This annual fundraiser supports over 7,000 resident animals at the Aquarium, marine and environmental science, and STEM education initiatives. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

The event will celebrate the aquarium’s incredible achievements of the past year and will include lunch, a long drive pro to keep the competitive energy moving, a sunset dinner, exclusive animal encounters, and live music! For questions or to reserve your foursome, please contact Alicia Sells, associate director of Development, at asells@maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700 x 2336. The aim of the aquarium is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science and environmental education.

Maritime Aquarium

Breaking! Rasal the Harbor Seal Makes Superbowl LVII Pick

By DARIENITE.COM | February 9, 2023

In a 6-yard rush from the bottom of Pinniped Cove to the surface of the water, Rasal made her Super Bowl LVII pick at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium
“Rasal’s Super Bowl pick is something we look forward to every year at the Aquarium,”said Senior Trainer Dylan Salamone. “This year was especially exciting because she learned a new behavior — an underwater retrieval — to make her pick. Like the players in Sunday’s big game, she trained for this moment for weeks!”
Rasal’s pick: the Kansas City Chiefs. Losing out: the Philadelphia Eagles.

Parents & Kids

Weird, Mad, Fun Science Coming Soon to Maritime Aquarium

By DARIENITE.COM | October 19, 2022

A day of wacky experiments and mind-blowing science shows is in store Saturday afternoon, Nov. 5 at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. The “Weird Wonders” afternoon event, which also has a preview on Friday afternoon and evening for aquarium members, is presented in partnership with Mad Science of Fairfield County. The aquarium says the event’s aim is “to bring science to life through a variety of hands-on, fun STEM experiences.” — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

The afternoon will feature two 45-minute shows designed to thrill audiences of all ages.

Maritime Aquarium

Free Admission for Kids, Teens Under 18 at Maritime Aquarium and Various CT Museums This Summer

By DARIENITE.COM | July 1, 2022

Exciting encounters with seals, sharks, sea turtles and – for a limited time – beautiful tropical butterflies highlight visits to The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk this summer, especially for Connecticut children receiving free admission through the “CT Summer at the Museum” initiative. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium is among more than 130 institutions participating in the state’s “CT Summer at the Museum” program, which offers free admission for all Connecticut residents 18 and under, along with one accompanying resident adult in each group, from July 1 to Sept. 5 (Labor Day). If You’re Going … Through the “CT Summer at the Museum” offer, any number of resident children ages 3-18, plus one accompanying resident adult in each group, can all enter The Maritime Aquarium for free.

Maritime Aquarium

Kids Can Meet and Sing Along With ‘Little Mermaid’ Characters Saturday at the Maritime Aquarium

By DARIENITE.COM | June 24, 2022

Meet and sing along with characters from New Paradigm Theatre’s upcoming production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” – and learn how marine debris affects the real creatures of the ocean realm – during “Under the Sea Saturday” on June 25 in The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite princess, prince or pirate for this special day. Highlights at the Aquarium on June 25 include three sing-alongs and meet-and-greets with the cast, a scavenger hunt and more. — an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium. As The Maritime Aquarium continues to incorporate the arts into its exhibits and educational programs, it is partnering with the non-profit theater company for its 2022 production of “The Little Mermaid,” with the theme of “Recycle, Repurpose and Reuse.”

Teen and adult board members of the theater company have joined the Aquarium’s teen volunteers this spring for beach cleanups that — in addition to cleaning the environment — have collected items used in “Little Mermaid” costumes and sets.

Horseshoe Crab

You and Your Kids Can Help Horseshoe Crabs Stay in Long Island Sound; Your Kids’ Kids Will Thank You

By DARIENITE.COM | May 6, 2022

One of nature’s oldest – but diminishing – beach mating rituals is about to begin its annual springtime cycle, and The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk needs volunteers to help document it. — an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

During the new and full moons each spring, horseshoe crabs come up out of Long Island Sound to spawn in the sand. It’s a perfect time to place tags on the animals for an ongoing horseshoe crab census, which has helped to show a steady decrease in their local population. Despite this decrease, enough crabs still come ashore that the Aquarium staff needs volunteers to help. “Joining this effort helps to provide important data about this amazing creature, which has survived since before the time of the dinosaurs but whose numbers are struggling,” said Bridget Cervero, Senior Education Manager for the Aquarium.