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Aquarium
of the Pacific opens whale exhibit
By
Lesley Nickus
Online Forty-Niner
Diversions Editor
The Aquarium of the Pacific opened
its new exhibit, “Whales: A Journey
with Giants,” on Friday. “Whales” is an opportunity for guests
to enjoy a five-minute light, sound and image show that creates the illusion
of the underwater home of the blue whale. Throughout the experience, guests
will also encounter a great white shark, killer whales, sea jellies, a humpback
whale
and other underwater creatures.
Following the multi-sensory experience, guests have the opportunity to explore
the galleries, filled with educational exhibits, and learn more about whales. “Whale
of Fortune” is an interactive exhibit similar to “Wheel of Fortune” where
children can spin a wheel, answer questions and perform stunts. In the end,
the team with the most points wins.
Admission to “Whales” is included in the price of admission to
the aquarium.
In addition to the new exhibit, which will become a permanent part of the aquarium’s
featured exhibits, the aquarium will also offer many summer programs aimed
at educating and entertaining guests interested in whales.
As part of this effort, the aquarium is offering a whale-watching adventure on
June 18. The cost is $110 per adult and $80 per child, including breakfast and
lunch. This cruise will take participants through the Santa Barbara Channel and
stop in the Painted Cave. Reservations are required and limited.
A whale class for adults is also being offered June 25. From 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.,
participants 18 and over have the opportunity to learn about the different types
of whales. The cost is $25 per person and includes a continental breakfast. Reservations
are required.
There are two guest speakers scheduled over the summer as well. Whale researcher
John Calambokidis will speak about his research on whales on at 7 p.m. July
5 in the Aquarium’s Honda Theater. This presentation will include footage
from National Geographic’s “critter cam” that was mounted
on a blue whale.
The second presenter is marine biologist Nancy Black. Her lecture will be on
August 2 and will cover killer whales, their behaviors and way of life. The cost
of each lecture is $7 and tickets are available on a first-come basis.
Admission to the aquarium is $18.95 for adults (12 and over) and $10.95 for children
(ages 3-11). Aquarium memberships are also offered, which reduce the costs of
the above programs and lectures. More information about exhibits, programs and
membership prices is available at www.aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562)
590-3100.
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