Photo by Paula Lauren Gibson/AfroPix
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach has several interesting programs and events scheduled for the upcoming months. Below is a list of programs for January 2013. There is quite an assortment and should be fun for ocean and animal lovers alike.
January 1 through March 1, 2013
Ocean Soul / National Geographic Photography Exhibit
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (daily)
National Geographic nature photographer Brian Skerry exhibits his Ocean Soul collection at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Skerry’s images capture once-in-a-lifetime moments with marine life, from a diver happening upon a gargantuan whale at the sea floor to a tiny fish looking out from inside a discarded soda can. Rich colors and luminous settings draw viewers in and transport them to the world found underwater. Skerry has traveled the globe for thirty years documenting the planet’s oceans and aquatic wildlife. Images collected in his book Ocean Soul, published by National Geographic Books, will be on display at the Aquarium until March 1, 2013. Access to this art exhibit is included with Aquarium admission.
Cost: Included with general admission–$25.95 adult (12+), $22.95 senior (62+), $14.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members.
Friday evenings, January 4 through May 31 (except Feb. 15 & 22 & April 19), 2013
Shark Lagoon Nights
6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators for free during Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo and epaulette sharks and see large sharks like the sand tiger shark at the Shark Lagoon exhibit on select Friday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In Shark Lagoon, Aquarium visitors get up close to these predators. Guests can touch and learn about sharks, purchase drinks and snacks, and enjoy live music during select Shark Lagoon Nights.
Cost: FREE
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Guest Speaker: William Cooper
Topic: Yellow-Eyed Penguins of New Zealand
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Learn about endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguins native to New Zealand and nearby islands. This species of penguin is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. Speaker Dr. William Cooper is a professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Urban Water Research Center at the University of California, Irvine. He also serves as a consultant to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Cost: $5 for the public and free for members, teachers, seniors (62+), and students with valid ID and advance reservations.or
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Underwater Parks Day
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Learn more about Southern California’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that went into effect January 1, 2012. Guests will be able to learn about the commercial and recreational activities permitted. MPA stories will be told using film, lectures, and interactive exhibits. The event will also feature educational booths and activities in the Great Hall.
Cost: General Admission–$25.95 adult (12+), $22.95 senior (62+), $14.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Lecture & Book Signing: Andrew Policano
Topic: Economic Environment and Public Higher Education
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Andrew Policano will discuss and sign copies of his book, Public No More: A New Path to Excellence for America’s Public Universities. Policano is the dean of the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, and the faculty director for the university’s Center for Investment and Wealth Management.
Cost: $5 for the public and free for members, teachers, seniors (62+), and students with valid ID and advance reservations.
Saturday & Sunday, January 26-27, 2013
Festival of Human Abilities – 10th Anniversary
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Join the Aquarium of the Pacific for its tenth annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. This event will feature wheelchair dance, live music, signing choirs, art demonstrations, accessible SCUBA diving demonstrations, storytelling, interactive workshops, and other creative performances by people who have disabilities. Sign language interpreters will be present at all major shows and an audio tour is available for those who are blind.
Cost: General Admission–$25.95 adult (12+), $22.95 senior (62+), $14.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members.
Photograph by Paula Lauren Gibson/AfroPix
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Lecture: Aaron Quintanar
Topic: The Fall of the Sea of Cortez
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Aaron Quintanar will discuss the history of environmental impacts and lost conservation opportunities in Baja California and the Sea of Cortez from 1994 to 2008. Quintanar is a conservationist and former lifeguard who has worked with WildCoast to lead efforts in Baja California, where development pressure, overfishing, and other human activities threaten ecosystems.
Cost: $5 for the public and free for members, teachers, seniors (62+), and students with valid ID and advance reservations.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100
