The aquarium will open its "Jiggle A Jelly" exhibit and allow visitors to "safely touch moon jellyfish, one of the most common species in Long Island Sound," a press release said. The hands-on exhibit of jellies will be open on weekends and holidays from Jan. 18 through April 20 and also daily during school vacation weeks.
“Most people who have seen jellyfish at the beach have gone out of their way to avoid them; to give them a very wide berth,” said Judith Bacal, the aquarium’s exhibits director. “We’re offering this exhibit to demonstrate that there are jellyfish that you can touch without being stung.”
Maritime Aquarium volunteers will staff the exhibit, encouraging visitors to use two fingers to gently touch the top of the jellyfishes’ gelatinous body or “bell.” Moon jellies do have tentacles but their stings are generally harmless to people.
“Jiggle A Jelly” will be free with Maritime Aquarium admission. To learn more, visit the Maritime Aquarium website or call 203-852-0700.
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