New Sea Lion Show At New York Aquarium

Fonzie gets ready to touch noses — a sea lion ‘kiss’ — with his pal Osborn, one of his playmates who are featured in new show at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island. J. Maher/WCS

Fonzie, a 600-pound California sea lion, takes center stage and roars… Two thousand school children fall into wide-eyed silence, in awe of the massive bull. Suddenly a very different vocalization is heard from the opposite side of the pool.

Two year old "Osborn", a much smaller sea lion, appears from around a corner. He and Fonzie meet in the center of the pool, touching noses in a sea lion "kiss".

That is just 30 seconds of the New York Aquarium’s all new sea lion demonstration. The show features nu-merous animals, including "Bernie" the Aquarium’s ever-popular harbor seal. Fast-paced, action-packed, and un-predictable, the new Aquatheater show is more entertaining than ever. The freshly renovated Aquatheater is equipped with docks that stretch around the perimeter of the pool. The sea lions can now walk directly up to the front row of the stadium…much to the surprise and delight of the audience! Dynamic music sets an upbeat pace, and humor is liberally spread throughout the entire show.

Yet the demonstration continues to be highly educational. Guests learn about the animals, and the pressing conservation issues which affect ma-rine life. More importantly, visitors are empowered with new ideas they can use to protect the world they share with wild animals.

The new, expanded sea lion show is possible due to the departure of the Aquarium’s dolphins, while the Aqua-rium is formulating plans for building a new, state-of-the-art dolphin habitat. 

The new sea lion demonstration can be seen in the New York Aqua-rium’s Aquatheater three times per day, throughout the summer. Call the Aquarium for daily show times at 718-265-FISH.

A Wildlife Conservation Society park, the Aquarium opens every day of the year at 10am, and closing times vary seasonally. The Aquarium is located at West 8th Street and Surf Avenue in Coney Island. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other Aquarium information, call 1-718-265-FISH or visit our web site at http://www.ny-aquarium.com.