Behind-The-Scenes Tours At Maritime Aquarium At Norwalk

NORWALK — Enjoy a special backstage look at how the sharks, seals, river otters, and hundreds of other aquatic species are kept happy, healthy, and well-fed during a Behind-the-Scenes Tour offered Saturday, July 16, at The Maritime Aquarium. A few lucky visitors may even get to help feed the sharks or hand-feed the rays.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours start at 8:15 am, and offer an opportunity to see how the animal-husbandry staff meets the varying needs of the aquarium’s animals.

The tour includes stops at the aquarium’s “fish kitchen,” where 18 tons of fish food is prepared each year, and above the 110,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit, where the dorsal fins of 7-foot sand tiger sharks cut through the water surface.

Visitors also learn the delicate requirements of a jellyfish “nursery” and a chance to hand-feed the cow-nose rays.

Participants must be at least 10 years old; under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Space on the tour is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-up tickets will be sold, space permitting.

Cost is $32.50 ($22.50 for aquarium members) and includes aquarium admission at 10 am.

For reservations or more details, call The Maritime Aquarium at 203-852-0700, ext 2206, or visit maritimeaquarium.org.