News release

Merlin Celebrates 14th Birthday at Maritime Museum

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Merlin, the rainbow macaw who resides at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, turns a vibrant 14 years old in 2016 and will celebrate at the museum on Saturday, May, 21.

A birthday scavenger hunt will open the party at 10 a.m. Visitors will be able to explore the museum and solve clues about some of the museum's most popular exhibits.

Handicrafts inspired by the birthday bird will be set up for visitors in the Small Craft Gallery from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. A special birthday spray bath will be given to Merlin at 2 p.m., followed by gifts from his museum family. Cake for all will end the party at 3 p.m.

"Merlin's health and happiness is of utmost importance," said Kim Reinhardt, museum manager. "He gets lots of love, daily exercise, a proper diet and veterinarian checkups twice a year."

Merlin joined the Maritime Museum family in 2006 and quickly became one of its most popular members. Raised in captivity, Merlin has grown up with people. Rainbow macaws are a hybrid, caused by cross-breeding and do not exist in the wild.

Those unable to attend the party can see Merlin's webcam at www.novascotiawebcams.com/en/webcams/merlin-the-talking-parrot/.

For more information call 902-424-7491 or visit the website at maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca