Family Guide To New England Aquarium In Boston
During a visit to the New England Aquarium in Boston, you can view live animal presentations that take place every day. See the three species of penguins and how they feed as well as thousands of other aquatic animals. Learn about the Atlantic Harbor Seals, whose males can weigh up to 300 pounds and grow up to six feet long! Understand how climate change is affecting oceans, and find out about the true impact it has on sea turtles and polar bears. The aquarium also offers special events exclusive to its members—a wealth of programs designed as part of a membership package.
Penguin Feeding
Times: Monday - Sunday: 9-10 a.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m.
www.neaq.org/penguin_feeding_presentations
Several species of penguins exist at the aquarium; they include the African Penguins, known for their very loud call; the Rockhopper Penguins, which are popular for their hair; and the Little Blue Penguins, which are the smallest around the globe. Come watch the penguins being hand fed with buckets of food; you can even sponsor a penguin by helping with the daily costs of care. You can also give an animal sponsorship as a gift, which begin at $30, and receive a certificate for framing.
Harbor Seal Training Sessions
Times: Monday - Sunday: 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m and 3:45 pm.
www.neaq.org/harbor_seal_training_sessions
Harbor seals interact with their trainers by waving and even saying hello! The intelligence of these adorable animals really shines when they're working with their trainers, who also feed the seals and teach them how to respond to cues as zoo visitors watch. You may have the opportunity to rub a seal's belly, and many will be glad to give you a kiss. You can also watch the seals create beautiful artwork with three specific colors and brush to highlight a masterpiece.
Related: New England Aquarium Offers Paintings Made By Seals
Giant Ocean Tank Talks And Divers
Times: Monday - Sunday: 10 a.m., 11:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
www.neaq.org/giant_ocean_tank
Thousands of animals live in this giant, four-story ocean tank, while visitors can stand behind a railing and peer into the glass of this wondrous underwater world. Three-thousand coral pieces have been added to the giant ocean tank, which is supported by more than 200,000 gallons of water, making a wonderfully colorful backdrop for the fish who swim about. Educators at the giant ocean tank talks discuss how sharks bite, and introduce kids to Myrtle the green sea turtle, who has lived in the tank since 1970. The tank is so huge that the rest of the aquarium was built around this exhibit; it's truly the heart of the New England Aquarium.
Live Animals Presentations
Times: Monday - Sunday: 10:45 a.m., 3:15 p.m.
www.neaq.org/presentations_and_shows
Live animal presentations involve divers interacting with animals and can offer visitors insight into the aquatic habitat. Sea turtles, for example, eat right from a diver's hand when fed their daily meals. And there is always an informative film to watch at the IMAX theater that includes the study of humpback whales and the great white shark.
Global Climate Change And Ocean Education
Times: Monday - Sunday: 12:10 p.m., 4:10 p.m.
www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research
The New England Aquarium collaborates with other aquariums across the United States in efforts to warn citizens about the impacts of climate change on oceans, marine animals and their ecosystems. Learn how to "live blue" by going green. You can even attend a free aquarium lecture series, featuring scientists, environmental writers, photographers and other experts.
Karla Sullivan is a Career Coach Examiner on Examiner.com. However, her writing extends well beyond that scope, with inspirational articles in high level publications such as AARP, Grand Magazine, Reunion Magazine and Mature Years.