NORWALK, CT – The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is going “Shark Raving Mad” in February, with a series of bonus shark displays and programs – including your chance to feed some of its sharks.
Join the Aquarium in going “Shark Raving Mad” Feb. 2-3 & 9-10 and daily during the vacation week of many local school systems, Feb. 14-24.
“We’re mad about sharks here, and a lot of our visitors are too,” said Chris Loynd, the Aquarium’s marketing director. “The ‘Shark Raving Mad’ offerings will indulge our shark fascinations, while also explaining why we need to be ‘shark raving mad’ about what’s happening to shark populations around the planet, and what we can do about it.”
You can ...
... Feed A Shark – Three times each “Shark Raving Mad” day – at 11 a.m. and 1 & 3 p.m. – 20 people can take part in a special 40-minute program about sharks that will culminate with each participant feeding the animals in the Shark & Ray Touch Pool. Cost is $30 in addition to Aquarium admission ($27.50 for members).
... Touch A Shark – Reach in and gently stroke the backs of live sharks and rays as they prowl around the 6,000-gallon Shark & Ray Touch Pool.
... Be A Shark – What makes a shark a shark? Aquarium educators will be at special learning stations with shark teeth and other artifacts to explain the special adaptations that set sharks apart from other fish. Children can make their own shark hat.
... Save A Shark – Learn what you can do to help preserve and restore shark populations. In cooperation with Yale University and the PEW Environment Group, you can create a “Flat Shark Stanley” that will be displayed with thousands of others from around the world to influence CITES delegates in Bangkok in March when they will consider protections for sharks and rays. (CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.)
Further enhance your “shark madness” by including a screening of the IMAX movie “Sharks,” playing at 1 & 3 p.m. daily on the six-story screen. The 42-minute film, presented by ocean defender Jean-Michel Cousteau, explores what makes sharks so unique and fascinating. But it also warns that the oceans’ top predators are horribly misunderstood and paying a deadly price for their reputation.
“Discount Combo” tickets to include the IMAX movie “Sharks” with Aquarium admission are $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 3-12. IMAX tickets for Maritime Aquarium members are $7.50 for adults and $5 for children.
For more details about The Maritime Aquarium’s programs, IMAX movies and exhibits (including a special encore of the “African Penguins” exhibit Feb. 14-April 22), go to www.maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700.