Conny the Whale has long been the face of The New Children’s Museum. Help us celebrate a whole year devoted to Conny, all leading up to his 40th birthday! Join the celebration and check in often to find out about upcoming events.
Upcoming Events
Pat’s Birthday Celebration- Sat., April 9th
Conny’s Birthday Celebration- Sat., June 25th
Throughout the year, Conny invites you to help celebrate the birthdays of some of her favorite friends in the wildlife sanctuary. Check out the events above to see who’s birthday celebration is coming up next. Then, join us for a very special animal demonstration and craft.
About Conny
Conny is a life-size replica of a sperm whale, the State Animal of Connecticut since May 1975. The 60-foot long whale, built between 1975 and 1976, was the result of thousands of hours of volunteer labor and donated material. Made up of cement and iron, Conny has become the face of The New Children’s Museum, an icon in the West Hartford community, and an example of what a group of dedicated individuals can accomplish.
Conny represents all whales, as well as the region’s centuries old history of whaling. Almost four decades later, Conny continues to amaze visitors of all ages. He also serves to educate and encourage individuals to help save the sperm whale.
About the Cetacean Society International (CSI)
Founded locally in 1974, Cetacean Society International (CSI) is an all-volunteer, non-profit conservation, education research organization working on behalf of cetaceans and their environment. Cetaceans are an order of marine animals that include whales, dolphins and porpoises.
With contacts in over 20 countries throughout the globe, CSI’s mission includes educating and supporting research projects and the network of scientists, educators, and activities that work to preserve cetaceans. Such work includes opposing any attempts to overturn the ban on commercial whaling, advocating for humane and non-invasive research standards, seeking legislative and public solutions for protection, informing legislators and the public about marine pollution issues, assisting the Marine Mammal Stranding Network and its partner rescue and disentanglement organization, and answering public and media concerns as advocates for whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
To find out more about CSI, or to support their cause, visit their website.