For those in search of outdoor activities with COVID-19 safety measures, the Aquarium of the Pacific is offering up-close experiences with its animals. In addition to the popular Penguin Animal Encounter, the Aquarium is relaunching new versions of two other Animal Encounter programs. One features its sharks and rays at Shark Lagoon and the other is with its marine mammals in the Seals and Sea Lions Habitat.
Starting on Thursday, November 5, 2020, the new Shark and Ray Encounter features an exclusive experience feeding the animals in the Shark Lagoon touch pools. Participants are accompanied by an Aquarium educator and animal husbandry staff member who lead the experience before the Aquarium opens to the public for the day. In a private twenty-five to thirty-minute session, participants help provide the bamboo sharks with their morning meal and then step into the touch pools to interact with the rays while learning about all of these animals with the Aquarium’s staff. Because they will be in 18 inch water, participants must be at least 4 feet and 6 inches tall.
Also starting Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the public can book a Seal and Sea Lion Encounter to enter the behind-the-scenes area of the Seals and Sea Lions Habitat. Participants will meet one of the Aquarium’s seals or sea lions up close in this encounter. This thirty-minute encounter offers the opportunity to learn from the Aquarium’s staff members about how they care for these animals. Participants also get the chance to offer the seal or sea lion their afternoon meal.
For both encounter experiences, participants must be age 7 or older. Those under age 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Encounters require a minimum of two people and a maximum of four, all from the same household, to participate. Encounters must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Interaction with animals is contingent on animal health, safety, and behavior. Participants must arrive 15 minutes in advance of the encounter start time. Participants must wear facial coverings and social distance from Aquarium staff members at all times and will have their temperatures taken prior to entering the Aquarium. For more information about the Aquarium’s safety protocols, please visit aquariumofpacific.org/visit/aquarium_safety. Aquarium outdoor admission is included with the Animal Encounter program. For more information about Animal Encounters, the public can visit aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.
WHEN: Shark and Ray Encounter available starting Thursday, November 5, 2020
Offered Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
Seal and Sea Lion Encounter available starting Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
COST: $150 per person, $135 per Aquarium member. Includes Aquarium admission (currently only outdoor exhibit areas are open).
INFO/RSVP: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org/education/programs/category/animal_encounters
Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.
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