For February school vacation, cuttlefish and new film, Secrets of the Sea, arrive at New England Aquarium

Lecture, presentations, and animal feedings also scheduled

BOSTON, MASS. (Feb. 2, 2023) – In time for February school vacation week, the New England Aquarium’s cuttlefish are back on exhibit, and a new film will begin showing in the Simons Theatre highlighting the extraordinary animals in our ocean.

Guests can see the Aquarium’s newest exhibit on the first floor, which showcases cuttlefish as eggs, juveniles, and adults. Dwarf cuttlefish have a short lifespan of about one year, and the Aquarium raises these cephalopods to help increase sustainability practices.

The New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre will be showing the new giant screen 3D documentary Secrets of the Sea beginning February 17. The film explores the astonishing world of 70 marine species and the fascinating ways in which they interact with each other and their environment. From pygmy seahorses and opalescent squid to giant manta rays, tiger sharks, and coconut octopus, Secrets of the Sea showcases how ocean animals depend on one another for survival, and the critical need for marine biodiversity to keep our oceans healthy. The 40-minute film will have three daily showings, and tickets are available here.

In addition to Secrets of the Sea, other films playing in the Simons Theatre include Cephalopods: Aliens of the Deep, Incredible Predators 3D, and Superpower Dogs 3D. Concessions will also be open all week offering popcorn, candy, chips and beverages. Screening times vary and can be found online.

Those visiting during Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island school vacation week Feb. 20–24 can see feedings of penguins daily at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and listen to penguin talks at 2:30 p.m. Aquarium trainers will offer daily presentations at 2 p.m. in the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center and at 3:30 p.m. at the Atlantic harbor seal exhibit. Feedings and presentations at the top of the Giant Ocean Tank will take place daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Aquarium will also offer visitors the opportunity to take action to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Guests are encouraged to stop by the Blue Planet Action Center during their visit Feb. 20-24 to learn more about the Aquarium’s right whale research and write to their legislators in support of right whale conservation.

On Thursday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m., in celebration of Black History Month, the Aquarium Lecture Series welcomes Dr. Tiara Moore, an environmental ecologist and Founder and CEO of Black in Marine Science (BIMS). In her lecture, Building a Home for Black Excellence in Marine Science, Dr. Moore will discuss how BIMS aims to celebrate Black marine scientists, spread environmental awareness, and inspire the next generation of scientific thought leaders. Those interested can register here to attend the free event in-person at Simons Theatre or virtually via Zoom.

The Aquarium is offering extended visiting hours Feb. 20–24, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance at neaq.org, as timed ticket slots may sell out. The Aquarium also welcomes families and children during New Hampshire and Vermont school vacation week Feb. 27–March 3, when it will be open normal operating hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Bechtold Snyder – psnyder@neaq.org, 617-686-5068