SEA LIFE Sydney hosts first 'quiet morning' at the aquarium

Merlin’s Magic Wand focuses on bringing the magic to ill and disadvantage children and families. 

When Merlin's Magic Wand first found out the children and families who suffer from Prader-Willi Syndrome struggle to visit attractions such as the Sydney Aquarium, they wanted to change that.

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare and very complex, non-inherited genetic disorder.  The commonly observed characteristics include intellectual disability and anxiety-driven behavioural outbursts. Last month, SEA LIFE Sydney and Merlin’s Magic Wand hosted their first 'quiet morning'.

The event was held prior to SEA LIFE Sydney's opening hours and the team adjusted all the attraction's music, screens and lighting to create a sensory friendly experience. This allowed all the children and families who suffers from PWS, and those who are on the spectrum, the opportunity to explore the aquarium at their own pace and enjoyment.

Both staff and volunteers helped provide some added extras, enabling the special guests to interact with roaming animals like loveable lizards, snakes and the amazing touch pool interactives. Children with sensory issues love to touch, feel and interact with things as they find it soothing and comforting.

The first quiet morning was a great success and received positive feedback from the families and children themselves. Merlin's Magic Wand are currently in the process of rolling out  more days like this out across Merlin's ANZ Attractions to host them on a more regular basis.