Merlin Celebrates 10th Birthday at Maritime Museum

Visitors coming to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Saturday, May 19, will be part of a special birthday celebration for mascot Merlin the Macaw.

A part of the crew since 2006, Merlin was first introduced at the museum during the Pets @ Sea March break event. Hatched in captivity, Merlin is a hybrid of the Blue and Gold macaw and Scarlet macaw, a hybrid that does not exist in the wild.

The party begins at 1 p.m. with craft activities in the Small Craft Gallery. At 3 p.m., Merlin will be greeted by well-wishers singing Happy Birthday and there will be a present opening. A card will be available for everyone to sign and birthday cake will be served.

Merlin's birthday officially launches his live webcam at www.novascotiawebcams.com/special/merlin-live-stream.html . The Maritime Museum website, http://maritime.museum.gov.ns.ca , profiles Merlin and links to his webcam so people can see him in realtime.

The museum is committed to Merlin's well-being, safety and environment. Regular care practices for Merlin include exercise every day and visits to the veterinarian twice a year.