Working with the Program Animals gives me the opportunity to introduce our guests to a variety of really cool animals including birds, reptiles, and terrestrial mammals. Some of these types of animals - like Lola the sulfur crested cockatoo, Matches the bearded dragon, and Iggy the green iguana - are commonly kept as pets. I get approached by guests all the time asking where they could acquire such a pet, or telling me about the pets they already have. While I’m very happy there are folks out there interested in caring for animals, there are many things to take into consideration before you take on the responsibility of keeping any animal as a pet. Knowing a lot about the animal you intend to bring home is essential, as is taking care of the unique needs of your pet!
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Have you heard the news? A new resident has moved in to the Aquarium‘s Explorer‘s cove! He’s covered in stiff, sharp spines called quills. He has a big, round, fuzzy nose. He’s an expert climber with the aid of his prehensile tail. Welcome Tito the prehensile-tailed porcupine, the newest addition to the program animal family!
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Earlier this year, fellow blogger and marine mammal volunteer Hugh introduced our readers to the Aquarium’s Program Animals. Just because we’re an Aquarium doesn’t mean you won’t find a few terrestrial animals here and there! Our Program Animals, made up of a group of reptiles, birds, and mammals, serve as animal ambassadors by helping us educate our guests about the importance of the relationships between the land and the ocean, as well as promoting habitat conservation on a global scale. Keep an eye out for Melissa, our Program Keeper, and her staff because chances are good that they will have some kind of critter out on the floor for you to meet and learn about. I recently joined the family of Program Animal volunteers, and I would like to share some wonderful information with our readers about one of my favorite program animals: Borrego, the California desert tortoise!
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Whew! It’s been a busy summer here at the Aquarium! Extraordinary whale watches, energetic day camps, packed Behind-the-scenes Tours, and hopping Summer Sundays. Our animal encounters have also been quite popular, and one of the encounters I’ve had the pleasure of leading recently focuses on the ocean’s most perfect predators: SHARKS! If you have ever wanted to have an up-close and personal, hands-on experience with these magnificent creatures, then this is the encounter for you.
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That is one of those popular questions our guests ask several times a week, and I’m always happy to point them in the right direction! Two olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacae), Theo and Lou, reside in the Aquarium’s beautiful Tropical Pacific Gallery. Theo can often be seen cruising by our dive volunteers during the Tropical Reef Dive, while Lou can be frequently observed napping as you walk through the serene tropical tunnel. Helping out with the care of these magnificent creatures is one of the best parts of my aquarist volunteer days, so please read on to learn more about sea turtles!
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