New Immersive Lorikeet Experience Open At Maritime Aquarium In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — A new immersive summer experience at the Maritime Aquarium invites visitors to have an unforgettable and up-close encounter with lorikeets, brightly-colored birds from Australia, Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia.

According to a news release provided by the aquarium, the lorikeets, known for their rainbow-like plumage, are social birds who often interact with visitors.

Guests are welcome to observe the birds in the tented aviary or feed them from small cups of nectar. The lorikeets will have free range inside the tent, so visitors may even find a bird perched on their head or shoulder, according to the aquarium.

"We're thrilled to welcome lorikeets to the Maritime Aquarium as a special exhibit for the summer," Director of Animal Husbandry Rachel Stein said in a news release. "Part of our strategy and commitment to being 'an aquarium without walls' is to offer immersive experiences to our guests and inspire them to learn more about a wide variety of animals and ecosystems."

The Maritime Aquarium has a range of opportunities for visitors to interact with aquatic wildlife in hands-on touch pools, including pools for Atlantic sturgeon, rays and sharks, jellyfish and invertebrates like crabs, snails, whelk and clams, according to the Norwalk facility.

Additionally, the aquarium's 4D theater features interactive films for visitors of all ages. The "Meet Lorikeets" habitat is one more adventure awaiting guests this summer, according to the aquarium.

The exhibit, which will run through Labor Day, experience is included in the price of admission; cups of nectar are an additional $5.

"Meet Lorikeets" is in an enclosed planted aviary and is accessible from inside the aquarium, according to the facility.

More information is available at www.maritimeaquarium.org.