My adventure at the New England Aquarium first brought me to the Marine Mammal Center, where I had the privilege of interacting with northern fur seals, harbor seals, and California sea lions. Each day, multiple training sessions are conducted to engage and stimulate the minds of these highly intelligent animals, especially since many of them were brought to the aquarium as rescues. I dedicated hours to practicing new commands with the harbor seals and was captivated by their attentiveness and ability to respond to over two hundred commands, whether it was speaking, kissing, or blowing bubbles. My conversations with the trainers about animal intelligence and sentience were fascinating, highlighting how we often underestimate the cognitive abilities of other creatures. I also had the pleasure of spending quality time with some of the northern fur seals, including Ursula, who is blind but incredibly sweet, and Commander, a friendly 550-pound giant.
Later, I joined aquarist Bill Murphy in the Cold Water Marine gallery, where I met Athena, the giant Pacific octopus — a creature known for their curiosity and intellect. As I submerged my arm into the chilly water, I locked eyes with the octopus whose tentacles extended upwards, enveloping my arm in a gentle embrace. Observing her play with toys and interact with me was a joy. It was especially thrilling to learn that Sy Montgomery, the renowned science author, had also spent time here while writing her new book “The Soul of an Octopus.” I then had the privilege of assisting Bill in feeding the other species in his gallery, where I marveled at the vibrant hues of the lime and fuchsia-colored anemones, as well as the striking sight of the blue and calico lobsters.
In the medical center, I had the opportunity to work with marine veterinarians Charlie Innis and Julie Cavin. We administered anesthesia to a cownose ray for examination, clipping its keratin barbs to prevent harm to other fish or divers. We then examined a penguin showing a recent lack of interest in her food. After inserting a small camera into her esophagus, we discovered ulcers in her stomach, so medication was prescribed and adjustments to her diet were made in the hopes of improving her condition. I was fascinated to learn that this penguin was over thirty years old — an impressive age for a bird that typically lives half as long in the wild!
The internship culminated in a dive with my friend and long-time dive instructor, Sarah Taylor, in the aquarium’s Giant Ocean Tank. This exhibit, so massive that the building was constructed around it, is a sight to behold. My parents, grandparents, and sisters joined to witness my dive and the feeding of the animals, creating a meaningful moment as we pressed our hands against each side of the glass. It was a fulfilling experience that I will cherish forever, and I am so grateful to Sarah for all her guidance and support.
