Birch Aquarium At Scripps Institution Of Oceanography San Diego
Introduction
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a public aquarium situated in La Jolla, San Diego, California. It is a part of the University of California, San Diego, and is a popular tourist destination with over 430,000 visitors every year. The aquarium showcases marine life from the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and features more than 60 habitats of fishes and other sea creatures. It is a perfect place for families, children, and marine enthusiasts to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants.
History
The Birch Aquarium was founded in 1903 by Ellen Browning Scripps, a philanthropist and journalist, who established the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1905. The aquarium opened to the public in 1905 with only a few exhibits. Over the years, it has expanded to include a number of new exhibits and features. In 1992, the Birch Aquarium underwent a major renovation and expansion, which included adding a new entrance, gift shop, and café. Today, the aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego.
Exhibits
The Birch Aquarium features a number of exhibits that showcase the diversity of marine life in the Pacific Ocean. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- The Kelp Forest: A 70,000-gallon tank that houses a variety of fishes and kelp, and is a replica of the underwater ecosystem found off the coast of Southern California.
- The Tide-Pool Plaza: An outdoor exhibit where visitors can touch and interact with tide-pool animals such as sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea anemones.
- The Giant Octopus: A tank that houses a giant Pacific octopus, one of the largest octopus species in the world.
- The Hall of Fishes: A collection of tanks that showcase fishes from different regions of the Pacific Ocean, including the Gulf of California, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Coral Triangle.
- The Seadragon and Seahorse Exhibit: A tank that houses a variety of seahorses, sea dragons, and pipefish.
Activities
In addition to the exhibits, the Birch Aquarium also offers a number of activities and programs for visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular activities include:
- The Shark Encounter: A program that allows visitors to feed and touch sharks and rays.
- The Whale Watching Adventure: A boat tour that takes visitors out to sea to observe whales and other marine life.
- The Summer Learning Adventure: A summer camp for children that teaches them about marine science and conservation.
- The Family Overnight Adventure: An overnight program that allows families to spend the night at the aquarium and participate in a number of activities and programs.
Conservation
The Birch Aquarium is not just a place for entertainment and education, but also a place for conservation. The aquarium is committed to promoting marine conservation and sustainability by conducting research, educating the public, and promoting responsible fishing and aquaculture practices. The aquarium also participates in a number of conservation programs, such as the Seafood Watch program, which helps consumers make sustainable seafood choices.
Conclusion
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a must-visit attraction in San Diego. With its diverse exhibits, fun activities, and commitment to conservation, the aquarium offers something for everyone. Whether you are a family looking for a fun day out or a marine enthusiast looking to learn more about the ocean, the Birch Aquarium is the perfect place to visit.
