Norwalk, CT – The Maritime Aquarium is thrilled to announce a male harbor seal was born at the facility on April 5 at 11:36 p.m. Both the pup, Sono, and mom, Gracie, are doing well and receiving excellent care from the Aquarium’s animal husbandry and veterinarian teams.
“This is an exciting time for all of us at The Maritime Aquarium,” said Associate Director of Animal Husbandry Rachel Stein. “Our husbandry team has been working day and night to make sure Gracie and her pup are receiving the best possible care.”
At birth, Sono weighed 18 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 30 inches in length. His name was inspired by the neighborhood of South Norwalk, where The Maritime Aquarium is located and has a played a significant role in revitalizing since opening in 1988.
Gracie, 20, is doing an outstanding job of taking care of her pup. Sono has already gained nearly 15 pounds and is growing bigger every day.
Sono is the second harbor seal pup to be born at Aquarium. A female pup, Eve, was born at the facility in 1989.
Sono and Gracie are not currently on exhibit. Sono will be introduced slowly to Pinniped Cove – the Aquarium’s 160,000-gallon habitat that allows guests to view the harbor seals from three sides and two levels – in the coming weeks when he grows a little bigger and stronger.
Currently, visitors can watch the Aquarium’s other harbor seals participate in training demonstrations daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. For more information and to track Sono’s growth, follow The Maritime Aquarium on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK inspires 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. The aquarium is home to over 7,000 animals of hundreds of species including seals, sharks, rays, jellies, turtles and meerkats. Additionally, it offers sensory-enhanced 4D movies, in-person and virtual education programs for schools and families, and public cruises aboard its hybrid-electric research vessel. The Maritime Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and receives support from the State of Connecticut DECD’s Offices of Culture and Tourism. For more information, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.
