What’s New at the Aquarium

April 7, 2022

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. Visit the new sea otter pup Ryder in the Northern Pacific Gallery’s Sea Otter Habitat on the second floor. Ryder was orphaned and rescued off the coast of Pismo Beach, California. The Aquarium offered to give Ryder a temporary home, and since he arrived, he has been learning sea otter skills from our resident adult Betty.

Other new animals include giant bell jellies (Scrippsia pacifica) on view in the Northern Pacific Gallery in the sea jellies exhibit area. This species has not been on exhibit at the Aquarium for many years. The giant bell jelly is the largest member of its family, which includes fourteen other species of sea jellies.

Our Magellanic penguins are currently in their breeding season. Several of the penguins may be out of sight during this period as they tend to their nests in their burrows.

Join us aboard a whale watching cruise to search local waters for migrating gray whales. Combo tickets include whale watching and Aquarium admission.

Upcoming festivals at the Aquarium include our Earth Day Celebration on April 23 and 24. This weekend festival features mural painting on the front plaza, mini art classes, performances by the Long Beach Symphony, and winners of our annual art, poetry, and Trashin’ Fashion contests. Scout Day will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, when Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts can complete steps toward badges and meet our Animal Ambassadors. The Aquarium will celebrate Pride Month on Saturday, May 21, with Pride Night in partnership with The LGBTQ Center Long Beach.

Enjoy a night out with friends and meet new people at First Wednesdays at the Aquarium. On May 4 Kimberly Thompson, director of the Aquarium’s Seafood for the Future program, will present a talk on rethinking our approach to sustainable seafood.