Aquarium Of The Pacific San Diego
Introduction
The Aquarium of the Pacific San Diego is a world-class aquarium that offers visitors a unique experience where they can explore and learn about the wonders of the ocean. Located in San Diego, California, the aquarium is home to over 11,000 animals and over 500 different species.
History
The Aquarium of the Pacific San Diego was opened in 1998 and has since become one of the most popular attractions in the city. The aquarium was designed to showcase the diverse marine life of the Pacific Ocean and to educate visitors about conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans.
Exhibits
The aquarium has a variety of exhibits that are designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of the ocean. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Southern California/Baja Gallery, the Northern Pacific Gallery, and the Tropical Pacific Gallery.
The Southern California/Baja Gallery features animals that are native to the Southern California and Baja regions. Visitors can see animals such as sea turtles, sea lions, and even sharks.
The Northern Pacific Gallery showcases animals that are native to the Northern Pacific Ocean. Some of the animals that can be seen in this exhibit include sea otters, puffins, and jellyfish.
The Tropical Pacific Gallery showcases animals that are native to the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can see animals such as tropical fish, sea horses, and even sharks.
Interactive Exhibits
In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium also has several interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. Some of the most popular interactive exhibits include the Lorikeet Forest, the Shark Lagoon, and the Ray Touch Pool.
The Lorikeet Forest is a beautiful aviary that is home to over 100 lorikeets. Visitors can enter the aviary and feed the lorikeets nectar from a small cup.
The Shark Lagoon is home to several different species of sharks. Visitors can walk through a tunnel that is surrounded by water and watch as the sharks swim above them.
The Ray Touch Pool is a shallow pool that is home to several different species of rays. Visitors can touch and interact with the rays as they swim by.
Conservation
The Aquarium of the Pacific San Diego is not only dedicated to educating visitors about the ocean, but also to conservation efforts. The aquarium participates in several conservation programs that aim to protect marine life and their habitats.
Some of the conservation programs include the Sea Otter Program, the Blue Whale Project, and the Sea Turtle Program. The aquarium also has a Sustainable Seafood Program that encourages visitors to make sustainable seafood choices.
Events
The Aquarium of the Pacific San Diego also hosts several events throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Night Dive, the FROGS: Dazzling and Disappearing exhibit, and the Pacific Islander Festival.
The Night Dive is an event that takes place on select Friday nights where visitors can explore the aquarium after hours. The FROGS exhibit showcases the beauty and diversity of frogs from around the world. The Pacific Islander Festival celebrates the cultures and traditions of the Pacific Islands.
Conclusion
The Aquarium of the Pacific San Diego is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting San Diego. With its diverse exhibits, interactive experiences, and commitment to conservation, the aquarium offers visitors a unique and educational experience they won't soon forget.