Living Coasts Aquarium Celebrates Darwin's 200th Birthday

By Philip Knowling 

Torquay, UK - Darwin Day is free at Living Coasts Aquariums.

A Devon visitor attraction is marking Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday by offering free admission.

Entry to Living Coasts, in Torquay, will be free of charge to everyone on Thursday 12th February. Torquay’s coastal zoo is also one of the first places in the UK to host a major new exhibition about Darwin and his work.

Living Coasts Director Elaine Hayes said: “We wanted to do something really special to mark the day, so we decided to open for free. It’s a great chance for people who don’t know Living Coasts to come and have a look – and will be a reward for regular visitors.”

The travelling exhibition – called Darwin Today - has been produced by the Research Councils UK, a group of seven national science bodies. Launched in London, the exhibition will be at Living Coasts for the whole of February, including half term.

“This is not just another load of dry, difficult history. It’s lively and bang up to date. It features five display pods, a touch-screen kiosk with interactive games and Shelly, a giant model tortoise.”

Each semi-circular pod is made up of a free-standing illuminated backdrop panel, two lecterns and a fact-sheet (copies of which will be available for visitors). Topics include the theory of evolution; what evolution means for people; Darwin and biodiversity; and Darwin's theory at work in the modern world.

Darwin’s historic voyage started and finished in the South West. He sailed from Devonport as naturalist on board HMS Beagle in December 1831. When the Beagle returned in October 1836 it docked at Falmouth in Cornwall.

In 1861 Darwin visited Torquay. He and his family stayed at Meadfoot House, Hesketh Crescent for six weeks in the hope that it would improve the health of their daughter, Henrietta Emma Darwin. During that time he met local geologist William Pengelly.

Living Coasts educator Clare Davies said: “Simple yet profound, Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is one of the most influential scientific ideas ever conceived. Even today, its conclusions and implications impact religion, politics, economics and art as well as our understanding of the natural world.”

Meanwhile, at Paignton Zoo there will be a giant birthday card and pretend birthday cake in the front entrance. Visitors will be able to sign the card.

Living Coasts is a registered conservation and educational charity. For more information go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk or ring (01803) 202470.

Living Coasts is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums. For further information please telephone 020 7449 6351.

www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
www.livingcoasts.org.uk

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. Registered office: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU. Registration number 792877. Registered charity number 300923. Place of incorporation: Companies House, Cardiff.

Photo: Stuart Wright of Living Coasts with part of the new Darwin exhibition.