Birch Aquarium At Scripps La Jolla
Birch Aquarium at Scripps La Jolla is a public exploration center for oceanography and marine biology. The aquarium was established in 1903 and is located in La Jolla, California. Birch Aquarium allows visitors to explore and learn about the ocean through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and live animal displays.
Exhibits
The aquarium has more than 60 exhibits that showcase different marine life and ocean habitats. Some of the popular exhibits include the Kelp Forest, which is a 70,000-gallon tank filled with kelp and vibrant marine life such as leopard sharks, sea bass, and Garibaldi fish. Another favorite is the Hall of Fishes, which displays different species of tropical fish, seahorses, jellyfish, and sea dragons.
There is also a Tide Pool Plaza where visitors can get up close and personal with sea creatures such as sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea anemones. The Living Tide Pool exhibit is a touch tank where visitors can touch and feel different species of tidepool animals such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
Activities
Birch Aquarium offers various activities to engage visitors of all ages. They offer guided tours, animal feedings, and interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about marine life and oceanography. The aquarium also has a 3D theater that shows films about the ocean and marine life.
For children, there is a Discovery Lab where they can participate in hands-on activities and experiments to learn about marine biology and oceanography. Birch Aquarium also offers summer camps and school programs for children to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants.
Conservation
Birch Aquarium is dedicated to promoting ocean conservation and research. They have several ongoing research projects that focus on marine life and oceanography. The aquarium also partners with different organizations to promote ocean conservation and education.
The aquarium is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has implemented several green initiatives such as installing solar panels, reducing plastic use, and promoting sustainable seafood.
Admission
The admission fee for Birch Aquarium varies depending on the age and residency of the visitor. Adults (18+) pay $19.50, children (3-17) pay $15, and seniors (60+) pay $16.50. UC San Diego students, faculty, and staff get free admission, and there are discounts for military personnel and their families.
Birch Aquarium is open every day except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The aquarium is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends and holidays.
Conclusion
Birch Aquarium at Scripps La Jolla is an excellent place to learn and explore the ocean and its inhabitants. With its interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and live animal displays, Birch Aquarium offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to promoting ocean conservation and research, Birch Aquarium is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
