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What is the story about?
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the New York Aquarium to meet its seals, accompanied by City Councilmember Kayla Santosuosso. The visit highlighted the impact of the administration’s $2 million investment in the aquarium, according to the caption accompanying the video.
In the clip, Mamdani and Santosuosso sit on a bench beside the seal enclosure as a trainer stands nearby with a bucket of food. One seal climbs onto a platform next to the mayor, leans towards him and presses its face against his cheek.
Mamdani laughs at the unexpected interaction, keeping his hands clasped in his lap. The trainer later feeds the seal from the bucket.
Who is Kayla Santosuosso?
Santosuosso represents New York City’s 47th Council district, which includes Bay Ridge, Coney Island and Sea Gate, along with parts of Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Gravesend. The New York Aquarium is located within her district.
She took office on 1 January 2026 after winning the 2025 election.
New York Aquarium’s history and funding
Located in Coney Island, the New York Aquarium is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society and is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States. Its Sea Cliffs exhibit houses harbour seals, sea lions, sea otters and penguins.
Public funding for the aquarium predates its most recent investment. In 2022, the New York City Council presented the aquarium with a symbolic $4.5 million cheque to support life-support systems, educational programmes and exhibits.
Mamdani’s plans for Coney Island
Mamdani became New York City mayor in January 2026. In February, he launched a Business Improvement District for Coney Island, with up to $1 million allocated for its first year to support sanitation, marketing and local businesses.
At the launch, Mamdani described the initiative as marking “a new era of investment” in the neighbourhood. He also thanked Santosuosso, referring to her as a former boss.
In the clip, Mamdani and Santosuosso sit on a bench beside the seal enclosure as a trainer stands nearby with a bucket of food. One seal climbs onto a platform next to the mayor, leans towards him and presses its face against his cheek.
Mayor
Mamdani and Councilmember Kayla Santosuosso visited the New York Aquarium to meet some seals and celebrate the impact of the administration’s $2 million investment in the aquarium. https://t.co/l2AbBIuUkN
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 26, 2026
Mamdani laughs at the unexpected interaction, keeping his hands clasped in his lap. The trainer later feeds the seal from the bucket.
Who is Kayla Santosuosso?
Santosuosso represents New York City’s 47th Council district, which includes Bay Ridge, Coney Island and Sea Gate, along with parts of Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Gravesend. The New York Aquarium is located within her district.
Our $2M investment in the Sea Cliffs Exhibit Renovation Project at @nyaquarium has gotten a pretty clear seal of approval.
Thank you for having me, @kaymsanto (and Pickles!) https://t.co/n9x9N0QLlw
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) October 27, 2026
She took office on 1 January 2026 after winning the 2025 election.
New York Aquarium’s history and funding
Located in Coney Island, the New York Aquarium is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society and is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States. Its Sea Cliffs exhibit houses harbour seals, sea lions, sea otters and penguins.
Public funding for the aquarium predates its most recent investment. In 2022, the New York City Council presented the aquarium with a symbolic $4.5 million cheque to support life-support systems, educational programmes and exhibits.
Mamdani’s plans for Coney Island
Mamdani became New York City mayor in January 2026. In February, he launched a Business Improvement District for Coney Island, with up to $1 million allocated for its first year to support sanitation, marketing and local businesses.
At the launch, Mamdani described the initiative as marking “a new era of investment” in the neighbourhood. He also thanked Santosuosso, referring to her as a former boss.
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