Santa Monica Pier Aquarium celebrating Whale of a Weekend, February 13 - 14th

By Randi Parent

Santa Monica, CA - Valentine’s Day is coming up next month, and Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium will express its love of the Pacific gray whale by celebrating Whale of a Weekend, February 13th and 14th. Whale-related activities will be ongoing both days from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the marine science center, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, beach level here at the Pier.

Whale of a Weekend highlights the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale, which completes one of the longest migrations of any species, traveling 10,000 to 14,000 miles round trip between the arctic seas and the warm lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. This migration takes the whales past the Pier - sometimes within viewing distance from the west end observation deck.

The Aquarium will provide a wildlife observation station at the west end of the Pier, stocked with binoculars and field guides, giving visitors the opportunity to search for whales and other local wildlife. American Cetacean Society/Whale Watch representatives staffing the observation station can address questions about these gentle giants.

Inside the Aquarium, guests can make a variety of whale related arts and crafts – some with a Valentine’s Day theme. Both days will be packed with activities, including: story time, face painting, film screenings and a 2:30 p.m. staff presentation on changing ocean temperatures and how they affect whales, presented in a game show style that will be fun for the whole family. Be sure to stop by to show your love for this magnificent migratory marine mammal.

Despite the emphasis on whales, the ever-popular weekly presentation and feeding at the shark tank will occur at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, as usual. Admission is free for children 12 and under; for all others, admission is $2, with a suggested donation of $5.

About the SMPA
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is Heal the Bay’s marine education facility located beach-level, just below the Carousel, at the Santa Monica Pier. The Aquarium is open to the general public and attracts more than 85,000 visitors per year. Since Heal the Bay acquired the Aquarium in 2003 from UCLA, more than 300,000 visitors have been welcomed during public hours and approximately 80,000 students have been educated during in-house education programs http://www.healthebay.org/smpa/edupgms/default.asp.

About Heal the Bay
Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean. We use research, education, community action and advocacy to pursue our mission.

To view Santa Monica Pier Aquarium's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-125-Santa_Monica_Pier_Aquarium