Since Long Beach was the point of departure and return for our cruise on Carnival Paradise we thought a visit to a few of the City's major attractions was in order as well. Naturally enough Long Beach's Aquarium of the Pacific was at the top of the list. The Aquarium is now in its 11th year with great attendance and a host of new activities, that appeal to the young and old alike.
This year the Aquarium featured what they have called "Shark Summer" which has included viewing many species of this predator which has invoked both fear and awe for generations throughout history. But here the Aquarium has also included educational programs showing how the shark is becoming increasingly endangered and how people can protect them and their ocean home.
The Shark Lagoon, in a 90,000 gallon habitat, brings visitors a pane of glass away from almost 100 sharks of several species and all sizes. And a special 10,000 square foot area allows visitors to actually touch and interact with bamboo, nurse, epaulette and zebra sharks in shallow pools. Needless to say kids love it.
There is the Ray touchpool where one can actually touch the rays or shovelnose guitarfish. These are local residents of Southern California coastal waters. For the exhibit the barbs of the rays have been removed. Then there are the popular Sea Otters with their outlandish behavior and silken fur. This hair, the most unusual of any mammal, was almost their undoing in an earlier era when they were hunted without mercy. The Sea Otters presentation takes place three times each day.
We found the exhibit of jelly fish particularly fascinating with their long graceful lace-like tentacles trailing them in the water in every changing patterns. Beautiful to look at but in some species deadly to the touch. Seals and Sea Lions also take center stage each day at the Aquarium.
Another 'must see' is "A Fish Story" a 3-D movie shown daily in the Honda Theater. With 3-D glasses and digital animation a little fish named Deepo takes the audience on a journey to meet all his undersea friends.. Another movie this summer was "Shark Smart". There are also Great Hall flms currently with free films on Sharks and Whales, "A Journey with Giants".
We also looked in on the Lorikeet Forest themed as a tropical island. Part of Explorers Cove, it is a walk through, hands-on aviary filled with dozens of Australian lorikeets. These are friendly birds that will without hesitation land on your hand, arm or your head if you care for that sort of headwear. Also it is possible to purchase a cup of nectar which will further induce the Lorikeets to become part of your person. With children it is a sure winner. With this writer, not so, recalling unfortunate encounters with seagulls and pigeons, .
There is so much to see and do at the Long Beach Aquarium that one visit in not enough to enjoy all the exhibits and programs. Certainly this Writer could not and will surely return again in the near future.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is family education and entertainment at its best. There are ongoing education classes for all age groups and a continuing schedule of special events as well as "sleepovers" for adults, youth groups as well as families..
The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day but December 25 and the weekend of the Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix in April. The Aquarium of the Pacific is now rated as the second best Family Destination in the Los Angeles area. It is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach. For more information call 562-590 3100 or on the web at www.aquariumofpacific.org
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