Birch Aquarium At Scripps Institution Of
Introduction
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a public aquarium situated in La Jolla, California. It is part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. The aquarium was founded in 1903 and is dedicated to providing visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of the marine environment.
Exhibits
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography has a variety of exhibits that showcase different aspects of marine life. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- Tide-Pool Plaza: This exhibit features a touch pool where visitors can interact with tide pool creatures such as sea stars and hermit crabs.
- Seahorse Exhibit: This exhibit showcases a variety of seahorses and their relatives, including pipefish and sea dragons.
- ElasmoBeach: This exhibit features a variety of sharks and rays, including leopard sharks and bat rays.
- Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge: This exhibit focuses on the impact of climate change on the oceans and features interactive displays and activities.
Events
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including:
- Naturalist-led Tours: Visitors can take a guided tour of the aquarium with a trained naturalist to learn more about the exhibits and marine life.
- Tidepooling Adventures: During low tide, visitors can join a naturalist-led tour of the nearby tide pools to explore the marine life that lives there.
- Nights at the Aquarium: On select evenings, the aquarium stays open late and offers live music, food, and drinks.
- Whale Watching: Visitors can join a whale watching tour from the aquarium to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Education
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is committed to education and offers a variety of programs for visitors of all ages:
- Summer Camps: The aquarium offers summer camps for children aged 4-15, with programs focused on marine biology and oceanography.
- School Programs: The aquarium offers field trips and classroom programs for students of all ages.
- Public Programs: The aquarium offers a variety of public programs, including lectures, workshops, and family programs.
- Volunteer Program: The aquarium has a volunteer program for individuals who want to help with exhibits, education programs, and special events.
Conclusion
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in marine life and oceanography. With its variety of exhibits, events, and educational programs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit today and explore the wonders of the ocean!