Connecticut: Train a whale, feed a penguin at Mystic Aquarium

Swimming with dolphins is one thing, but what would it be like to learn to work with a whale or a penguin? Mystic Aquarium, a division of the Sea Research Foundation, in Mystic, Conn., offers an opportunity for kids and adults to learn just that during a daylong marine animal trainer program.

Participants spend seven hours getting up close and personal with the animals and doing everything from cleaning fish to cleaning up. “You inspect the fish, go out into the exhibit and sit there with a trainer and try to feed them,” spokeswoman Erin Merz says of African penguins.

The day starts with lessons about the aquarium’s animals, conservation, research and animal care. From there, visitors help feed penguins, train a beluga whale and interact with California sea lions. No previous experience needed, Merz says, pointing out that the training day is good for animal lovers and anyone who thinks they might be interested in becoming marine animal trainers.

Date: The program is offered 8 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through October.

Price: $375 for adults and children 13 and older. Children who participate must be accompanied by a paying adult. Reservations are required. The cost includes admission to the aquarium, lunch and a photograph to commemorate the training day.

Contact: Mystic Aquarium, (860) 572-5955, Ext. 520