2020 was a year the world will be glad to leave behind. Far too many have suffered from the ravages of a devastating global pandemic. Our heart goes out especially to anyone who has lost someone they care for this year.
As a result of being fully open only ninety-one days in 2020, losses in revenue forced the Aquarium of the Pacific to cut the number of staff by more than 50 percent. This was hard for the staff, but it also brought out the best in everyone. Everyone learned new skills, covered for each other, and conducted food and toy drives for those who lost their paychecks.
Our education team reached more people than ever before, our conservation work continued, a new coral exhibit opened, our 12,000 animals continued to receive the best possible care, and several new features were added to Pacific Visions—such as the Paint a Fish wall. The Aquarium continued to bring people together through its many cultural programs, albeit it virtually. And for the 157 days when only the outdoor exhibits were open, the Aquarium implemented rigorous safety practices and even added a few new experiences for low-density visitor groups.
