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    All you need to know about the Aquarium of the Pacific

    The Aquarium of the Pacific, situated on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, is a non-profit, public aquarium. As Southern California's largest aquarium, it has more than 100 exhibits with approximately 12,000 animals. It is a nerve center f...

    Also Known As

    Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

    Founded On

    1998

    Founded By

    Dennis Biggs

    Los AngelesAquarium of the PacificAbout

    Quick information

    ADDRESS

    100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA

    RECOMMENDED DURATION

    4 hours

    Timings

    9am–6pm

    VISITORS PER YEAR

    1700000

    TICKETS

    From $ 44.94

    EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

    0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

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    Did you know?

    The design and architecture of the Aquarium of the Pacific were inspired by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Developed by Kajima International the structure represents the towering and breaking of ocean waves.

    The largest tank in the aquarium is the Tropical Reef habitat, with 350,000 gallons of water. An average swimming pool holds just 18,000-20,000 gallons!

    Although the Aquarium of the Pacific has no live whales, it has two replicas of blue whales that are true to scale. They hang in the main hall.

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    Things to see at the Aquarium of the Pacific

    At the Aquarium of the Pacific, you'll find over 100 exhibits spread across three main galleries: Southern California and Baja, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific. Here are the main highlights.

    June Keyes Penguin Habitat

    This is one of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium, as it offers an up-close experience with Magellanic Penguins. You can see the replica of their natural habitat, with nests, a rocky beach, a swimming pool, etc. and learn about the conservation efforts that are being formulated for the betterment of these animals.

    Sea Otter Habitat

    At the Northern Pacific Gallery, you can meet the playful sea otters in a replica of their natural habitat. Learn all about their eating habits, natural habitats and life cycle. The exhibit also includes interactive games that help you learn more about these furry animals.

    Lorikeet Forest

    The 5,400-square-foot outdoor aviary has a number of green-naped, Edward’s, and Swainson’s lorikeets, forming the Lorikeet Forest exhibit. Inspired by the coastal lowlands of Australia, this exhibit lets you get up close with these colorful birds as they fly freely and often land right on you! You can even feed them nectar, their favorite treat.

    Shark Lagoon

    A must-see attraction at the Aquarium of the Pacific is the Shark Lagoon, which boasts shark touch pools, an amphitheater, a gift shop, and the Bamboo Bistro for snacks and drinks. Home to zebra sharks, grey reef sharks, bamboo sharks, and epaulette sharks, you can watch them being fed, and touch some of them under supervision.

    Coral Reefs: Nature's Underwater Cities

    At the Coral Reefs exhibit you'll see a variety of species, including the green sea turtle and the red-footed booby.  It highlights the beauty of colorful corals, their ecological significance, and the threats they face. Conservation efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem are also showcased.

    Frogs: Facing a Changing World

    Get to this exhibit and you'll find yourself in a world of beauty and danger. It showcases an array of Tropical frogs from various parts of the world, some of which are highly poisonous. You’ll learn about their life cycle, how they’re cared for by staff, and the conservation measures in place to ensure their survival in the face of environmental threats.

    Moon Jelly Touch Lab

    Moon jellies are these almost-translucent, apparition-like jelly fish that are a delight to see float by. At the Moon Jelly Touch Lab, you get to learn about their habits and habitats, and you can also gently touch them to see how they feel. This is completely safe because their tentacle barbs are not sharp enough to prick human skin.

    Boat Cruises

    For a bit of outdoor adventure, book a boat tour of the harbor and try to spot whales, dolphins or even sea lions! While not officially part of the aquarium, you'll have a team of naturalists from the aquarium accompanying you with fun anecdotes and detailed information.

    Marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific

    The Aquarium of the Pacific houses more than 12,000 animals from over 500 species, giving you an in-depth look at marine life around the Pacific Ocean. You can explore creatures from diverse habitats, ranging from the cold waters of the Northern Pacific to the warm tropical waters of the Pacific Islands. Some of the notable species include sea otters, jellyfish, sharks, rays, and the vibrant fish of coral reef environments.

    Exhibits like the "Sea Jellies" showcase the graceful movements of jellyfish, while the "Shark Lagoon" provides an up-close look at various species of sharks, including sand tiger and zebra sharks. You can also enjoy seeing Magellanic penguins, which inhabit the cooler waters of South America, and colorful tropical fish that thrive in warmer seas. With such a diverse range of species, the aquarium offers a comprehensive exploration of marine ecosystems and the incredible biodiversity within them.

    Conservation efforts at the aquarium

    The Aquarium of the Pacific is committed to making a tangible impact on marine conservation through hands-on efforts. Here’s how they’re making a difference:

    • The Aquarium of the Pacific actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species like white abalone and giant sea bass. These species, facing near extinction, are raised at the aquarium and released into the wild to help restore their populations​.
    • Over 300 endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs raised at the aquarium have been released into local mountains as part of a recovery effort.
    • The aquarium has reduced its carbon footprint by 50% compared to its 2007 levels through actions like cutting energy consumption, composting waste, and optimizing water use.
    • The aquarium's Seafood for the Future program, educates the public on choosing certified sustainable seafood options to protect marine ecosystems.

    Frequently asked questions about the Aquarium of the Pacific

    How big is the Aquarium of the Pacific?

    The Aquarium of the Pacific covers 360,000 square feet, making it the largest aquarium in California. Within this expansive space, you’ll find over 100 exhibits featuring marine life from the Pacific Ocean’s diverse habitats, including immersive galleries and engaging experiences like the Shark Lagoon and Tropical Reef exhibits.

    How many animals are housed at the aquarium?

    The aquarium is home to more than 12,000 animals from over 500 species, representing the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean. These animals are showcased across 19 major habitats, ranging from coral reefs to kelp forests.

    What are some of the activities that kids may enjoy at the Aquarium of the Pacific?

    There are plenty of things for kids to enjoy at the Aquarium of the Pacific — feeding lorikeets, interactive installations and shows at the Pacific Visions, harbor boat tours, jellyfish labs, special events like Ocean Investigators, and so much more.

    What interactive experiences are offered at the aquarium?

    The aquarium offers several interactive experiences where you can connect with marine life up close. You can feed rays and sharks, meet playful sea otters, or join behind-the-scenes tours to interact with animals like penguins and seals.

    Can I feed the animals inside the aquarium?

    There are specific exhibits where you are allowed to feed the animals, such as the Lorikeet Forest, and Moon Jelly Lab. These feedings, however, are highly monitored and you'll have to buy the food from the exhibit.

    Is the aquarium involved in scientific research?

    Yes, the Aquarium of the Pacific is deeply involved in marine research, focusing on pressing environmental issues like climate change, ocean health, and species conservation. It collaborates with scientific organizations to conduct research and hosts educational programs that contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems.

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