Nova Scotians and visitors are invited to celebrate Merlin the rainbow macaw’s 13th birthday at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Saturday, May 16.

The festivities will start at 10 a.m., with merlin-inspired crafts and card-making. At 3 p.m., Merlin will have a special birthday activity followed by cake and present opening at 3:30 p.m.

A large card will also be available for visitors to sign throughout the day.

“This is an exciting time of year for the museum,” said Johanna Kristjansson, Merlin’s caretaker. “This year’s birthday is especially exciting because he’s going to be a teenager.”

Visitors can also take part in a birthday scavenger hunt that will go until Monday, and enter a contest for special prizes to be drawn for Saturday at 4 p.m.

“The museum is committed to Merlin’s well-being, safety and environment,” Kim Reinhardt, museum manager. “Regular care for Merlin includes exercise every day, lots of love and visits to the veterinarian twice a year.”

Merlin was born in captivity and joined the museum in 2006. Rainbows macaws are a hybrid, caused by cross-breeding scarlet and golden blue macaw.

For more information go to maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca .

Source: Release