Don’t call it ‘puppy love’

This baby boy’s name means “a gift given in return” in the Yupik language and was chosen in a contest last fall. An aquarium staff member said, “We’re calling him ‘Aki’ for short.”
The Aquarium is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closing times vary seasonally) and admission is $13 for adults; $10 for senior citizens (65 and older); $9 for children ages 3-12 and free for children under 3 years of age. Fridays after 3 p.m., admission is by suggested donation.
New York’s Wildlife Conservation Society also operates the zoos in Prospect Park and Central Park, as well as our own Queens Zoo - where, if a trip to the far end of Brooklyn isn’t possible, you can see California Sea Lions as they enjoy their mini-habitat.
Don’t expect any babies among the Zalophus californianus in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, though - they’re all males. But you can observe them, including three-times-a-day feedings (11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m.) from the comfort of the new Snack Bar.
The Queens Zoo is also open every day; winter hours are also 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; admission is only $6 for adults; $2.25 for seniors (65 years and older) and $2 for kids 3- to 12-years-old.
For more information about the zoos and aquarium, visit www.wcs.org.