My Experience in the "Sea Lion Spotlight" Program at Mystic Aquarium



Last weekend I visited the Mystic Aquarium and took part in their "Sea Lion Spotlight" program.  This is a shorter encounter that occurs during one of their daily Sea Lion Shows, where the person taking part in the encounter will come up onto the stage and briefly interact with one of the Sea Lions in the show.  I absolutely loved it!

 
Complimentary rose, given to me by Cali the Sea Lion.

In the past, I had taken part in Mystic Aquarium's "Seals Up Close" program and loved it - you can read about this encounter at this link.  There are also may other encounters which you can read about at this link, including a "Sea Lions Up Close" program (which is on my "to do" list).  The "Sea Lion Spotlight" encounter is held during one of the Sea Lion shows, where you will have a couple of minutes to interact with a Sea Lion on the stage during the show for a close-up and personal view.

Introducing Cali, the Sea Lion that I met.

The Sea Lion show is both educational and entertaining, and takes place in an indoor theater that also is the Sea Lions' home.  If there is no show going on, you can watch the Sea Lions swimming and playing in the viewing area in the main indoor gallery.

Sea Lions can still be seen in the Main Gallery viewing area when a show is not taking place.

The show uses a theme of "Sea Lion TV" (which I must get), where during each program a different set of facts about Sea Lions is highlighted.  For example, during the "Lox Sports" segment the physical appearance and power of Sea Lions is discussed.

Sea Lion balance, strength, and hind flippers. 

There are may different channels on Sea Lion TV, and I will not give them all away.  But I will say that I loved the "Ralph Lion Spring Fashion Runway Extravaganza" where Sea Lion fur coats and and what keeps them looking slick are presented to the audience.

Sea Lion on the runway, showing off her beautiful coat.

If you enroll in the "Sea Lion Spotlight" you will be able to receive VIP seats in the front row for you and your guests, give directions to a Sea Lion (I asked Cali to dance and lay down), and you get kissed by a Sea Lion.  After the show, one of the trainers will spend time with you answering any questions that you have.  On all of the "Sea Lion Spotlights" that I have been a part of, the trainers are always very helpful and friendly when answering my questions.  I really appreciate their time and enthusiasm!

 
VIP seating for your family and friends gives them a close-up look.

I highly recommend taking part in a "Sea Lion Spotlight" if you have the chance.  I look forward in the future to taking part in the "Sea Lion Encounter" and finding out what is behind the stage and how these amazing, beautiful, smart, cute, and adorable Pinnipeds are taken care of!

Showing how well behaved and patient Sea Lions are - she agreed not to eat the tasty fibsh until asked using a "clap" signal.

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