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News Articles

black and white image of harpo the sea lion 2006-2023

June 30, 2023

Harpo

The Aquarium staff members mourned the loss of Harpo the California sea lion.

Otter surrogate mother with pup Elle

June 8, 2023

New Sea Otter Pups at the Aquarium

The Aquarium welcomed three new sea otter pups, who were deemed non-releasable to the wild by the US Fish and Wildlife Service because they were unable to survive in the ocean.

Fin whale mouth breaches the surface of the ocean while as it feeds.

February 22, 2023

Research Finds Fin Whales Making a Home off the California Coast

Data collected by Aquarium interns helps identify individual whales locally

wet otter pup on deck

August 3, 2022

Meet Our New Rescued Sea Otter Pup and Suggest a Name

The sea otter can now be seen in the Aquarium’s Sea Otter Habitat in the Northern Pacific Gallery. The Aquarium is offering the chance to help name the four-month-old sea otter pup through its Adopt an Animal program.

Black and white photo of Betty the sea otter's face with the years 2012-2022 on it

July 15, 2022

Aquarium Mourns the Loss of Betty the Sea Otter

Betty passed away early in the morning on Thursday, July 14, 2022. She will be greatly missed.

Zebra shark

July 5, 2022

Aquarium Publishes New Research on Shark Artificial Insemination

The study was envisioned by Aquarium Veterinarian Dr. Lance Adams and involved four zebra sharks living at the Aquarium of the Pacific, one male and three females. Zebra sharks are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.

Penguin sitting on egg in a nest

May 31, 2022

Penguin Chick Hatches at the Aquarium

The chick hatched at the Aquarium of the Pacific on May 22.

giant bell jelly

April 7, 2022

What’s New at the Aquarium

This spring see our new sea otter pup, discover giant bell jellies, watch our penguins nesting activities, join us on a whale watch, or attend one of our special events and festivals.

Sea otter pup holding onto deck

December 21, 2021

Rescued Sea Otter Pup Arrives at the Aquarium

The Aquarium is lending a helping hand to a baby sea otter that was recently rescued off the coast of Pismo Beach, California. Government wildlife officials determined that the orphaned pup could not survive on his own in the wild and deemed him unreleasable. The Aquarium offered to help, and the pup made his way to Southern California.

Mountain yellow-legged frog tadpole on rocks

September 9, 2021

Endangered Frog Tadpoles Arrive at the Aquarium

The Aquarium is currently housing mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles in a behind-the-scenes area as part of a survival plan for the species, which is endangered. They will be raised at the Aquarium with the goal of eventually releasing them back into the wild.

juvenile blue-green chromis

August 17, 2021

Find New Baby Animals in Aquarium Exhibits

On your next visit at the Aquarium, look for these new animals that were recently added to exhibits.

Sea otter Maggie

April 9, 2021

Aquarium Staff Mourning the Passing of Maggie the Sea Otter

We are saddened to report that Maggie, our 20-year-old sea otter, passed away today. Due to advanced age, Maggie had been showing a decline in health in recent months.

Gatz the Penguin

March 11, 2021

2021 Penguin Breeding Season Update

As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan for penguins, the Aquarium works with fellow accredited zoos and aquariums as part of these conservation efforts.

Young masked mad feeds rays by hand while wading in a shallow pool

November 4, 2020

New Animal Encounters Now Booking With COVID Safety Measures

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.

Moon Jelly Feed Experience

October 15, 2020

Feed the Moon Jellies on Harbor Terrace

Purchase a cup of tiny brine shrimp to gently pour over the jellies and watch as they collect the food with their stinging tentacles.