Maritime Aquarium Welcomes New Grey Seal To Norwalk Facility

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium announced this week the addition of a grey seal to its South Norwalk facility.

Mikey is the first grey seal to live in the aquarium and will reside in Pinniped Cove with the facility's five harbor seals, Rasal, Leila, Feisty, Gracie and Sono, according to a news release provided by the aquarium.

"Mikey is doing great exploring his new habitat," Senior Mammals Trainer Dylan Salamone said in a news release. "He is very inquisitive about his surroundings and is quickly becoming an excellent companion for our youngest harbor seal, Sono, as we had hoped."

Mikey was born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago on Feb. 17, 2024. The aquarium also noted he may not be visible at all times to guests as he adjusts to his new home.

Like harbor seals, greys seals can be found in Long Island Sound during the winter months when they migrate south in search of warmer waters, according to the aquarium.

While both species can be found in Long Island Sound, there are distinct differences that will help guests tell them apart.

A grey seal's most distinct characteristic is its long, curved nose. Grey seals are also larger than harbor seals.

Once fully grown, they can weigh up to 880 pounds and measure up to 10 feet in length, according to the aquarium.