Education | Amphibians | Birds | Fish | Invertebrates | Mammals | Reptiles | Turtles
Monday, June 29, 2009
“Where Can I Get One of Those?” | Staci 
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!
Animal Updates | Mammals | Education | Volunteering
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Animal Spotlight: Meet Tito the Prehensile-tailed Porcupine | Staci
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!
Animal Updates | Reptiles | Conservation | Volunteering
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Animal Spotlight: The California Desert Tortoise | Staci
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!
Conservation | Education | Sharks
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Animal Encounter: Sharks! | Staci
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.
Conservation | Education | Volunteering | Reptiles | Turtles
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Where Are the Sea Turtles? | Staci
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!
Education
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The ABC’s of Filtration at the Aquarium | Staci
Whether you’re maintaining an exhibit that holds 200 gallons or 200,000 gallons, filtration is an integral part of any successful man-made marine habitat. Recently, I mentioned that the Aquarium filters approximately 1,000,000 gallons of salt water per hour to support over 12,000 marine residents. Why is filtration necessary? Fortunately, the Education Department provided me with a wealth of information on filtration practices in effect at the Aquarium of the Pacific that I would love to share with you!
Education | Mammals
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Leading an Animal Encounter: Sea Otters | Staci
In addition to continuing to blog about some of the goings-on in the Marine Mammal Department, I thought it would be nice to share some stories from other parts of the Aquarium as well! I’ve recently started as an Aquarist Volunteer in our Tropical Gallery, and I continue to be part of the paid staff in the Education Department. Each job brings new and exciting duties, and this past week was the first time I was able to lead one of our Animal Encounters focusing on one of my favorite animals: the sea otter. Ever wondered how we prepare for our Sea Otter Encounter and what happens during the two-hour tour?
Education | Volunteering
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Water Works: Where Our Water Comes From | Staci
Roughly 12,500 Pacific Ocean animals representing almost 500 species reside here at the Aquarium. No matter what their differences in appearance or habitat, all of them rely on one very important ingredient in their daily lives: seawater.
Animal Updates | Mammals | Volunteering
Monday, March 24, 2008
Harpo & Milo Have Arrived in the Seal & Sea Lion Habitat! | Staci
It’s been about a month since my last update on Harpo and Milo, our two youngest California sea lions. It’s my pleasure to report that this past Thursday, March 20, these two frisky pinnipeds joined the rest of our flippered family in the 211,000 gallon Seal and Sea Lion Habitat and now you can come and welcome them, too!
Conservation | Education | Mammals
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Some Things You ‘Otter’ Know! | Staci
They’re undeniably entertaining, extremely resourceful, and have the densest fur of any animal on the planet! What animal am I talking about? Why, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), of course!
