Socializing with Seals
A reason to return to the aquarium
Something new has arrived at an old standby; last Wednesday, the New England Aquarium unveiled a marine mammal center that lets visitors watch and interact with sea lions and seals up close and personal.
The New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, named in honor of a $3-million gift from the New Balance Foundation, is a covered, open-air structure connecting Boston Harbor with the aquarium. It is the first addition to the building since the IMAX theater was added in 2001. Its inaugural tenants are five fur seals, and there are hopes to add several California sea lions in the near future.
There are usually four daily training sessions at the new facility, and each offers an opportunity for audience participation; trainers choose three or four volunteers to interact and play with the seals. Ask for the daily schedule at the ticket counter when you visit.
If you’re on a tight budget, there’s still good news: according to aquarium spokesperson Tony LaCasse, you can get a good glimpse of the seals and their new home for free, from outside the aquarium, since the Marine Mammal Center is enclosed with clear glass panels. The best viewing spot is from a walkway along the harbor; the view is stunning both ways. The exhibit keeps the same hours as the aquarium. No matter how many times you’ve visited, it’s always worth spending time at the big tank and exhibits, as well as checking the changing round of daily presentations and shows.
The New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center is a part of the New England Aquarium. Admission is $20.95 for adults, $17.95 for students with a valid college ID, and can be purchased at the ticket counter or online. The aquarium is open Sunday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7p.m. The aquarium is on Boston Harbor, easily accessible by T: take the Blue Line to the station appropriately named “Aquarium.”
Edward A. Brown can be reached at ebrown@bu.edu.
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