Aquarium Offers More Virtual Experiences To Connect The Public To Its Animals And Staff During The Pandemic

December 30, 2020

WHAT: While the Aquarium of the Pacific is closed to the public in compliance with health orders for zoos and aquariums in our region, the institution continues to offer ways for people to connect with its animals and staff to learn about marine life. The Aquarium is offering several new virtual opportunities to meet animals up close. Through these programs, people can support the nonprofit Aquarium as it struggles from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to provide top-quality care for its 12,000 animals. First, people can add some fun to Zoom conferences, business meetings, or virtual meet-ups with family or friends by adding a live guest appearance by a sea lion, penguin, or sea otter. In these private sessions with an Aquarium animal, viewers can meet their caretakers, who will answer questions and engage with meeting attendees in a personal, thirty-minute program. Zoom Animal Appearances are available daily between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for $750 with reservations made one week in advance. The Aquarium is also offering live virtual tours of its indoor galleries. Viewers can learn more about their favorite animals, see behind-the-scenes areas not currently open to the public, and meet the animal care experts and ask them questions. Virtual tours of the Northern Pacific Gallery are available on Saturdays, December 19 and 26, at 1:30 p.m. Reservations are available for $10 per household. Additional tour dates are being added. The Aquarium will also offer a tour of its Tropical Pacific Gallery, featuring coral reef animals and ecosystems, starting in the next several weeks.

Finally, people can help support the Aquarium by purchasing a membership, shopping for holiday gifts in the gift store, or making a donation by visiting pacific.to/aop2020. Donations can also be made in tribute of a friend or loved one.

WHEN: Zoom Animal Appearances: Offered daily between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with reservations made one week in advance. Virtual Tour: Northern Pacific Gallery Saturdays, December 19 and 26, 2020, 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

WHERE: Zooms links will be provided upon registration.

COST: Zoom Animal Appearances: $750 / Virtual Tours: $10 per household

INFO: (562) 590-3100 or visit: Zoom Animal Appearances & Virtual Tour