Join the Aquarium for Shark and Ray Awareness Day with Virtual Programming or Visit Outdoor Shark and Ray Exhibits

July 8, 2020

WHAT: Sharks and rays have been on the planet since before the time of dinosaurs. Since then, they have continued to play an important role in maintaining ocean health. See these amazing animals live online and hear from experts at the Aquarium of the Pacific during Shark and Ray Awareness Day on Tuesday, July 14. You can also visit, learn about, and touch sharks and rays at the Aquarium’s outdoor areas with advance reservations and with safety protocols in place, including required facial coverings (ages 2 and up), temperature checks, timed entries, plentiful hand sanitizing stations, and more.

The online programming will start at 8:30 a.m. PDT, when experts will talk about shark reproduction as you get a live look at real shark eggs in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. The Aquarium will also offer shark and ray-themed classes for students in various grade levels (9:00 a.m. Pre-K to kindergarten, 11:00 a.m. kindergarten to fifth grade, 1:00 p.m. third to fifth grade, and 2:00 p.m. sixth to eighth grade).

You can join the Aquarium’s veterinarian at 9:30 a.m. PDT to learn about shark conservation research happening on site. Everyone can enjoy a special episode of the Aquarium’s Daily Bubble show with the Pacific Pals characters, including Seymour the Shark, at noon and then on demand on the Aquarium’s YouTube channel. At 1:30 p.m. PDT, learn what is being done to help save sharks and rays from extinction in collaboration with Global FinPrint. Throughout the day, you can tune in live to the Aquarium’s live exhibit webcams that feature sharks and rays and live broadcasts from the Aquarium’s Facebook page.

The Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon, Ray Touchpool, and other outdoor exhibits, are currently open to the public with advance reservations. Admission has been reduced to $12 per person (indoor exhibits are currently closed through July 24). Visitors can get up close to sharks and rays in Shark Lagoon, including smaller sharks and rays they can touch in the touch pools and bigger sharks and rays that are on view in the large Shark Lagoon exhibit, including a sand tiger shark, zebra shark, and a massive 300-pound reticulate whipray. The Aquarium’s Ray Touchpool on the California Terrace features bat rays.

WHEN: Webcast: Tuesday, July 14, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Admission hours on July 14, 2020: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Webcast: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website: aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/shark_and_ray_awareness_day/
Admission address: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST: Webcast: Anyone can tune in for FREE (no RSVPs required)
Admission for outdoor exhibits: $12 per person and free to Aquarium members / advance reservations required for everyone.

ONLINE ACADEMY: With many kids and adults staying at home, the Aquarium is offering them free online resources with daily live and on-demand content through its Online Academy. In addition to daily live classes, exhibit webcams, and other fun and educational content, the Aquarium is offering its Guest Speaker Series. You can visit the Aquarium’s website or follow its social media channels for live feeds and updates. A schedule and links to these resources can be found on the Aquarium’s Online Academy webpage.

AQUARIUM: The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Pacific Visions, the Molina Animal Care Center, and the new Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities exhibition. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including lectures by leading scientists. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits. NOTE: ONLY OUTDOOR AREAS WILL BE OPEN THROUGH JULY 24, 2020. Visit the Aquarium’s website for the latest information at aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.