Maritime Aquarium

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

By |
Download PDF

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.

Animals
Harbor Seals Seal-Spotting and Birding Cruises

Maritime Aquarium Offers Winter Seal-Spotting, Birding Cruises

By |
Download PDF

You can cruise out onto Long Island Sound with the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk this winter in the hope of seeing some of the seals and birds that spend the colder months just off shore. — an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium’s 2020 season of Seal-Spotting & Birding Cruises offers outings on many Saturdays and Sundays now through April 12. Dates and departure times vary by low tide. The next cruises are on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. and on Sunday, Jan.

Maritime Aquarium
Seal Spotting and Bird Cruises Maritime Aquarium

Maritime Aquarium’s Seal-Spotting and Birding Cruises on Long Island Sound End April 14

By |
Download PDF

The weekend of April 13 and 14 offer the final chances to join The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in seeking out some of the seals and birds that spend the colder months just off Connecticut’s shores. The Maritime Aquarium’s 2018-19 season of “Seal-Spotting & Birding Cruises” concludes with outings on Saturday, April 13 (at noon) and Sunday, April 14 (at 1 p.m.). — an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

These invigorating 2½-hour cruises seek out some of the harbor seals and gray seals that annually migrate down into Long Island Sound from northern waters. Aquarium educators will point out these federally protected marine mammals and talk about their natural histories. “There have been several news stories recently of folks approaching seals at rest on Fairfield County beaches,” said aquarium spokesman Dave Sigworth.

Animals
Maritime Aquarium seal picks Superbowl 02-04017

Maritime Aquarium Seal Predicts Super Bowl LI Winner (DON’T Bet the Rent Money on It)

By |
Download PDF

Orange the harbor seal at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has made her pick for Super Bowl 51 and it is … ____________

— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

____________

… the New England Patriots. The 34-year-old seal knows how to hold her nose against the hand of her Aquarium trainers, and also against a “target pole,” the exhibit window and other objects.  

On Wednesday, Feb.

Animals

Obit: Susie, 43, Longtime Maritime Aquarium Resident, 2nd Oldest U.S. Seal

By |
Download PDF

The staff of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk today is mourning the loss of the harbor seal named Susie, believed to be second-oldest seal in the United States. Susie, who has been at The Maritime Aquarium since its opening in 1988, was 43 years old. “We’re always saddened by the loss of any animal at the Aquarium,” said Dr. Brian Davis, president of The Maritime Aquarium. “But, as one of two seals that have been with us since the beginning, as our oldest seal and as the mother of two of the seals we have had here, Susie will always have special place in our hearts. She was the grande dame of our seal exhibit.”

___________

— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

___________

A necropsy at the University of Connecticut will be conducted to seek the cause of death.