Cabrillo Marine Aquarium San Pedro Ca
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a public aquarium located in San Pedro, California. The aquarium is situated in Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park, which overlooks the Cabrillo Beach. The facility is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. The aquarium has a mission to promote knowledge, understanding, and conservation of the marine life and habitats of Southern California.
History
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium was established in 1935 as a small museum in the Cabrillo Beach bathhouse. The museum was created to display a collection of marine life specimens gathered by local fisherman and marine biologist John Olguin. Over the years, the museum grew in size and popularity, and in 1981, the current facility was built.
Exhibits
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has a variety of exhibits that showcase the marine life and habitats of Southern California. The exhibits include the Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery, Kelp Forest, and Tidepool Touch Tank. The Exploration Center features interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the marine life and habitats of Southern California. The Aquatic Nursery displays the life stages of various marine animals, including sea urchins, lobsters, and octopuses. The Kelp Forest exhibit showcases the underwater ecosystem of a kelp forest, and the Tidepool Touch Tank allows visitors to touch and learn about the animals that inhabit the rocky intertidal zone.
Events and Programs
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers a variety of events and programs throughout the year. The events include the Tidepool Wonders Walk, Coastal Cleanup Day, and the Holiday Open House. The programs include summer camps, school programs, and family programs. The aquarium also has a volunteer program that allows individuals to assist with various tasks, including animal care, exhibit maintenance, and education programs.
Conservation
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is committed to the conservation of the marine life and habitats of Southern California. The aquarium participates in research projects, such as the Sea Urchin Monitoring Project, which monitors the population of sea urchins in the kelp forest ecosystem. The aquarium also has a Marine Protected Area Outreach Program, which educates the public about the importance of marine protected areas and how they can help protect Southern California's marine life.
Visit
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. The aquarium is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the aquarium is free, but donations are welcome. Parking is available in the Cabrillo Beach parking lot for a fee. The aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, California.
Conclusion
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a great place to learn about the marine life and habitats of Southern California. The aquarium has a variety of exhibits and programs that are both educational and fun. The aquarium's commitment to conservation is commendable, and visitors can learn how they can help protect Southern California's marine life. If you're looking for a fun and educational activity in San Pedro, be sure to visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
