Monterey Bay Aquarium Unveils Seahorse Secrets This Summer

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM: Explore the wonders of our ocean planet in nearly 200 galleries and exhibits at the nation’s No. 1 family aquarium. The Outer Bay galleries feature a million-gallon display that’s home to schools of tuna, Mahi-mahi, sharks, barracuda, pelagic rays and more; plus the largest jellyfish exhibits anywhere. Other permanent exhibits include playful sea otters; a towering three-story kelp forest; an interactive deep sea exhibit; touch pools and other hands-on displays; and Ocean’s Edge: Coastal Habitats of Monterey Bay, featuring a walk-through wave crash, aviary, touch pools and giant octopus galleries, and hands-on exhibits that incorporate conservation themes in engaging and exciting ways. Visit www.montereybayaquarium.org for more information.

“THE SECRET LIVES OF SEAHORSES” SPECIAL EXHIBITION OPEN: “The Secret Lives of Seahorses” highlights more than 15 species of seahorses and their kin-one of the largest and most diverse exhibitions of seahorses and their family in the nation. As visitors explore the elusive world of seahorses in four multimedia galleries, they learn about the surprising ways that these fascinating fishes grow up, choose mates and give birth. The exhibition highlights the fragile habitats that seahorses call home, and conservation stations provide visitors with tools to help protect these mythical animals and the precious coastal environments where they live.

“WILD ABOUT OTTERS” SPECIAL EXHIBITION CLOSING: This summer marks the final opportunity to explore the aquarium’s first-ever freshwater exhibit. Two species of feisty freshwater otters captivate hearts in “Wild About Otters,” which will close on September 13. The exhibition takes visitors on a multi-sensory adventure into the lush Asian and African worlds of remarkable freshwater fishes, reptiles and plants. Conservation messages about how lakes, rivers and oceans are connected drive home the message that all life on Earth needs clean water to survive.

“EVENINGS BY THE BAY” EXTENDED WEEKEND HOURS: Each Saturday and Sunday from Independence Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (July 4 – September 6) the aquarium will remain open until 8 p.m., giving visitors an off-season experience during peak summer season with two additional hours to commune with their favorite creatures. In addition to world-acclaimed exhibits and regular programs the aquarium offers during the day, evening visitors will enjoy live music, special programs and a chance to dine in the ocean-view Portola Restaurant.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6: “World Ocean Day Celebration” on June 6-7 celebrates the ocean ecosystem in conjunction with the international observance of the world’s oceans with a full line-up of activities and performances. Visit www.montereybayaquarium.org for more information.

AUDITORIUM PROGRAMS: Daily programs include “You Otter Know,” an interactive program that teaches visitors about sea otters in a lively, game-show-style format; “Tagging Predators,” where visitors learn how scientists are learning about the mysterious lives of tuna, sea turtles, sharks, and other open-ocean animals and identify ways we can help protect them. “Jellies,” learn how these brainless, heartless animals are perfectly adapted to survive and thrive in their ocean homes. Other auditorium programs include “Mysteries of the Deep,” a 15-minute program with live video of deep-sea explorations; and “Empty Oceans, Empty Nets,” which examines the destructive effects of overfishing. Ongoing; beginning at 11 a.m. daily. Included with aquarium admission; free passes are distributed inside the aquarium.

“AQUARIUM ADVENTURES” – Summer programs include “Underwater Explorers,” “Day Sail” and “Sunset Sail” excursions – resume a month early again this year, beginning May 9, “Morning Rounds,” “Fishing for History: A Cannery Row Walking tour,” and member-only camp-ins and youth group camp-ins. New in 2009 – “Family Seashore Sleepovers,” the public can now sleep near their favorite exhibits and experience the aquarium after hours on four summer nights: Friday, June 12; Saturday, July 11; Saturday, August 29; and Friday, September 18. Special presentations, feeding opportunities, a midnight snack and continental breakfast included in the exclusive evening. Space is limited; purchase tickets early online. “Behind-the Scenes Tours,” continue in 2009; these dynamic 50-minute tours take visitors wherever the day’s action is most exciting; offered several times daily; $12 per person for the general public (plus aquarium admission), $10 per person for aquarium members. Select Aquarium Adventures tickets can be purchased online, including “behind-the-scenes tours,” and “Day Sail” and “Sunset Sail” excursions on Monterey Bay. For information and registration, visit www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/vi_aq_adventures.asp or call toll-free (866) 963-9646.

SUMMER DECK PROGRAMS – The 15-minute “Watt a Waste” theatrical performances, created in collaboration with El Teatro Campesino, focuses on energy conservation and will accompany the engaging, bilingual “Basta Basura!” (“Enough Trash!”) performance – which focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling to keep the ocean free of trash. “Seahorse Magic” is a 15-minute skit highlighting the unique attributes of seahorses and the importance of keeping them in the ocean by avoiding purchasing seahorse curios. Presented daily June 20 through August 23 on the Great Tide Pool deck or the outdoor deck at the Hovden Way entrance.

ADMISSION: All exhibits and programs except “Aquarium Adventures” and behind-the-scenes tours included with aquarium admission (2009 prices): $29.95 adult; $27.95 senior (over 65) and student (full-time college, with I.D.); $17.95 children and the disabled; under 3 free. Located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. Summer and holiday hours 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., summer extended hours 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from July 4 through September 6. Information: (831) 648-4888. Advance tickets: online at the aquarium’s website, www.montereybayaquarium.org; avoid ticket lines on busy summer days and there’s no additional charge to print the tickets at home or pick them up at the aquarium’s will-call box office, and only a small fee if the tickets are mailed; or by phone 866-963-9645. Discounted tickets for members of the military and their families can be purchased in advance at many California and Nevada installations.

April 30, 2009   Posted in: United States SouthWest