Monterey Bay Aquarium Undergoing a Changeover

By Angela Hains 

Monterey, CA - Explore the wonders of our ocean planet in nearly 200 galleries and exhibits at the nation’s No. 1 aquarium. The Outer Bay galleries feature a million-gallon open ocean exhibit that’s home to hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, ocean sunfish, schools of tuna, pelagic rays and mahi-mahi, plus the largest jellyfish exhibits anywhere. The Ocean’s Edge galleries feature a walk-through wave crash experience, open-air aviary and touch pools, a gallery devoted to the giant octopus and other exhibits that incorporate hands-on approaches and important conservation themes in engaging and exciting ways. “Mission to the Deep” lets visitors experience deep-sea explorations with the aquarium’s sister institution, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), via interactive displays that simulate the control room of a research ship. Other permanent exhibits include the expanded “Splash Zone: Ocean Homes” family exhibit – featuring the Enchanted Kelp Forest, Coral Reef Kingdom and Rugged Rocky Shore galleries; playful sea otters; a towering three-story kelp forest; touch pools and other hands-on exhibits. Visit www.montereybayaquarium.org for more information and an exciting preview.

“WILD ABOUT OTTERS” SPECIAL EXHIBITION TO CLOSE: The aquarium’s first and only freshwater special exhibition highlighting freshwater otters, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and their native Asian and African habitats closes on September 13, 2009. Visitors enjoy watching the playful African spotted-necked and Asian small-clawed otters and are introduced to the lush ecosystems of African lakes, and Asian rivers and streams. Visitors craving their fill of otter antics can still visit the permanent sea otter exhibit and even catch one of the daily feeding and training sessions. The exhibition will be replaced in 2010 by “Hot Pink Flamingos…and Other Stories of Hope in a Changing Sea,” which opens March 27, 2010.

UPCOMING: “HOT PINK FLAMINGOS…AND OTHER STORIES OF HOPE IN A CHANGING SEA” (Special Exhibition; opens March 27, 2010). Visitors will meet and hear compelling stories about flamingos, penguins, coral reef animals and sea turtles and discover how they’re being affected by changing ocean conditions worldwide. The exhibition’s compelling live exhibits feature aquatic animals affected by the climate crisis, along with stories describing what people are doing individually and together to address climate change.

ALBATROSS ENCOUNTERS: A 15-minute live program occurs daily at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Kelp Forest Exhibit where visitors can meet Makana, the only Laysan albatross (an oceanic seabird) at any U.S. zoo or aquarium, and learn about the threats facing seabirds and what individuals can do to ensure the survival of these beautiful birds.

ONGOING SPECIAL EXHIBITION: Visitors are entranced by “The Secret Lives of Seahorses,” the aquarium’s newest exhibition. Over 15 species of seahorses and their kin unveil an elusive world where fishes dance to attract mates, camouflage like chameleons to survive and have an unusual reproductive cycle in which the males become pregnant and birth the babies. The exhibition highlights the fragile habitats that seahorses call home, and conservation stations provide visitors with tools to help protect these mythical animals and the precious coastal environments where they live.

“AQUARIUM ADVENTURES” – Fall programs include 50-minute Behind-the-Scenes tours, offered several times daily; regular “Day Sail” and “Sunset Sail” schedule September 2 – 6, September 11 - 27 “Day Sail” adventures Friday through Sunday and “Sunset Sail” cruises on Friday and Saturday evenings; final “Family Seashore Sleepover” on Friday, September 18; “Morning Rounds” most Thursdays and Sundays; and “A Cannery Row Walking Tour” by appointment only, for groups of six or more. Visit www.montereybayaquarium.org/adventures for program details and previews, for information and registration, visit www.montereybayaquarium.org or call toll-free at (866) 963-9645.

BUYING TICKETS ONLINE: Visitors can purchase select Aquarium Adventures tickets online, along with aquarium admission tickets, at www.montereybayaquarium.org. There’s no additional charge to print the tickets at home or pick them up at the aquarium’s will-call box office, and a small fee if the tickets are mailed.

AUDITORIUM PROGRAMS: Daily programs include “You Otter Know,” a lively 15-minute game-show format that introduces visitors to the lives and adaptations of sea otters and freshwater otters. Audience members participate as contestants. “Tagging Predators,” a 15-minute film shows how Monterey Bay scientists use electronic tags to follow the migrations of tuna, sea turtles and sharks; “Jellies,” a 15-minute question-and-answer presentation about these fascinating and delicate drifters; “Mysteries of The Deep,” a 15-minute program with live video of deep-sea explorations; and “Empty Oceans, Empty Nets,” which examines the destructive effects of overfishing. Ongoing; beginning at 11 a.m. daily. Included with aquarium admission.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THROUGH DECEMBER: September 12 and 13 (Saturday and Sunday) - “Otter Days” where visitors can learn about the aquarium’s popular and charismatic sea otters and it’s the last weekend to visit their freshwater otter relatives in “Wild About Otters”; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; included with general admission. October 4 (Sunday) - “Fiesta del Mar” celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with music, crafts, activities and presentation of the Heroe del Medio Ambiente (Hero of the Environment) award to Maria Celeste Arraras, host of Telemundo’s “Al Rojo Vivo” (“Red Hot”); included with aquarium admission; children 12 and younger admitted free. October 17 and 18 (Saturday and Sunday) – “25th Anniversary Celebration,” an activity packed weekend to celebrate 25 years of ocean conservation at the Monterey Bay Aquarium; the aquarium opened October 20, 1984; included with aquarium admission. November 21 and 22 (Saturday and Sunday) - “Feathered Friends” lets visitors get up close and personal with a Laysan albatross and African blackfooted penguins; included with general admission. December 31 (Thursday) – “Silver Fishes and New Year’s Wishes” extravaganza from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.; features live music, a complimentary champagne toast, party favors and more, including three separately themed VIP lounges with a signature drink and themed food; tickets range from $75 to $150 per person for aquarium members and $95 to $175 per person for the general public. Call 866-963-9645 or 831-647-6886 to make reservations, or visit www.montereybayaquarium.org for more information.

HOURS: Fall hours - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, beginning September 8. Holiday hours - 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., November 11 and November 26-29; December 26 - January 1. Closed Christmas Day.

ADMISSION: All exhibits and programs except “Aquarium Adventures” are included with aquarium admission – $29.95 adult; $27.95 senior (over 65) and student (full-time college, with I.D.) $17.95 children (ages 3 – 12) and the disabled; under 3 free. Located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. Information: (831) 648-4888. Advance tickets: online at the aquarium’s website, www.montereybayaquarium.org; and by phone at 1-800-756-3737.

To view Monterey Bay Aquarium's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-560-Monterey_Bay_Aquarium