That’s because it’s the New York Aquarium’s 50th Anniversary this week. This from New York 1:

The New York Aquarium will hold a two-day festival this weekend to celebrate its 50th Anniversary at Coney Island.

City officials and wildlife advocates re-dedicated the aquarium Thursday morning during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Sea lion Otis hammed it up for the crowd, and performed tricks that prove the aquarium can be both entertaining and educational.

“The animals are very intelligent,” said sea lion trainer Joanne Sottile. “They’ve learned a lot of different behaviors to help highlight the natural history of the species itself.”

As part of the weekend’s festivities, anyone turning 50 this year will be admitted free of charge.