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Visit The Maritime Aquarium's Meerkats Before They Go On Hiatus

NORWALK, Conn. — The Norwalk Maritime Aquarium announced plans to close the popular 'Meerkats' exhibit for five weeks beginning on Sunday, Jan. 5.

The 'Meerkats' at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

The 'Meerkats' at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

Photo Credit: Norwalk Maritime Aquarium

The exhibit is closing because the overall exhibit featuring the animals, “Africa: From the Desert to the Sea,” is ending and the museum needs the space to build its next exhibit.

“Dragons: Real or Myth” will take over the area vacated by "Africa" and open on Friday, Feb. 13.

The exhibit will demonstrate how dragons live among us by highlighting the various species that take their names from the mythical creature.

Dragon moray eels, the weedy sea dragon -- a cousin of the seahorse -- along with terrestrial lizards like black dragons, flying dragons, sailfin dragons, bearded dragons and frilled dragons will all have their moment.

The facts and fiction of mythological dragons and their roles in cultures throughout time will also be highlighted.

Open since May 2010, the “Meerkats” exhibit features six sibling meerkats – members of the mongoose family native to Africa’s Kalahari Desert. A viewing bubble lets youngsters pop up within the exhibit and get close to the meerkats.

The animals proved so popular that the Aquarium installed a “meerkat cam” so people can check up remotely on the meerkats’ activities. The cam will remain active during the hiatus.

The cam is available at www.maritimeaquarium.org, just click on “Exhibits & Animals.”

All special exhibits are free with Maritime Aquarium general admission, which is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for ages 13 to 17 and seniors 65 and up, and $12.95 for children three to 12.

For more information, go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org or call 203-852-0700.

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