Andrew
10-20-2005, 01:53 PM
MBA release/newsletter
Sea Notes
November 2005
1. EXHIBIT NEWS: SEA HARES, HORN SHARKS, OCEAN SUNFISH, FIVE SEA
OTTERS
We’ve introduced a 40-pound ocean sunfish to the Outer Bay
exhibit. Our aquarists collected it from Monterey Bay, and held
it behind the scenes for three weeks as they trained it to come
to a target for its meals, in this case by associating a red ball
with food. Target training is essential for the slow swimmers in
the million-gallon exhibit, because swift-moving tuna gobble up
food so fast the slower fishes can’t compete. The ocean sunfish
is fed twice a day, around 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Stop by to watch
this unusual fish being fed-–just look for a large red ball
floating in the water at the top of the exhibit.
For the first time in our history there are five sea otters on
exhibit-–Mae, Maggie, Rosa, Toola and Joy. Introductions went
smoothly, and all five seem to be getting along well. Toola and
Joy-–who serve as surrogate mothers to stranded otter pups behind
the scenes-–are not as familiar with training behaviors as are
Mae, Maggie and Rosa, but they are quickly learning such basic
behaviors as “stay,” “follow,” “out,” and going into an adjacent
holding pool on command. Watch all five on our live Otter Cam at
http://montereybayaquarium.org/efc/efc_otter/otter_cam.asp
In the movies, Wallace & Gromit are hunting for a mammoth
were-rabbit. You can have your own “hare-raising” adventure in
the Rocky Reefs & Crevices exhibit in the Kelp Gallery as you
look for four California sea hares. These huge sea slugs are
related to nudibranchs but get considerably larger–-reaching up
to 18 inches in length.
Look for two young horn sharks in the shark pup display in
“Sharks: Myth and Mystery.” They came to us from Scripps
Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. From their small
size, we estimate they’re about two months old. You can watch a
video clip of a horn shark hatching from its egg case at the
Shark Discovery Cart just outside “Sharks.”
Visit What’s New on our web site to learn about these and other
new arrivals in our exhibits.
http://www.mbayaq.org/news/
2. AQUARIUM NEWS: NEW ORLEANS PENGUINS ON EXHIBIT, THE SEARCH FOR A YOUNG EXPLORER
Our penguin exhibit is a little jazzier these days, thanks to a
visit from some New Orleans penguins. While the Aquarium of the
Americas works to get back up and running in the wake of
Hurricane Katrina, its 19 penguins–-16 African blackfooted
penguins and 3 rockhoppers–-are staying with us. And they’re
seeing some of their relatives for the first time in years. (Our
resident blackfooted penguins originally came from the aquarium
in New Orleans.)
Both colonies will make a short stay behind the scenes through
October 28 while their Splash Zone exhibit receives some routine
maintenance and a new viewing window. (The rest of Splash Zone
reopens on October 22.) Once they return to the exhibit, you can
see all 34 birds when you visit, or via our live Penguin Cam at
http://montereybayaquarium.org/efc/efc_splash/splash_cam.asp.
You can also get a closer look during our popular “Meet the
Penguin” program just before Thanksgiving.
Also at the aquarium, but not on exhibit, are Buck and Emma–-two
sea otters flown to Monterey from the Aquarium of the Americas
along with the penguins. Both otters are doing great and remain
behind the scenes. They are fed five times a day, and receive
live crabs, clams, mussels, ice and toys for enrichment.
Currently, there are no plans to place them on exhibit.
For the complete story of how the New Orleans penguins and Buck
and Emma came to Monterey, visit
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/efc/exhibit_updates/exhibit_updates_popup.asp
Know of a daring explorer between ages of 10 and 13? In January,
we’re going to choose an “Official Explorer” to help us promote
“Oceans 2006: A Year of Exploring”–-a series of fun family events
and activities at the aquarium. Any child is eligible, as long as
they’re between the ages of 10 and 13 with a commitment to
conservation. Our Official Explorer will work with aquarium staff
and the media to promote ocean conservation and special
Exploration Events, and host their own blog on our web site. To
apply, just submit an application by December 1, commit to a
one-year term beginning in January, and be comfortable working
with the media. There are great benefits for the explorer and his
or her family! You’ll find details at
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/vi/vi_aquarium/officialexplorer.asp
3. PROMOTIONS & EVENTS: “MEET THE PENGUIN,” NEW YEAR’S EVE
Meet the Penguin
Nov. 21-23, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Free with aquarium admission
We’ll double the fun at this year’s “Meet the Penguin” event on
November 21, 22 and 23. Two blackfooted penguins-–possibly
including one rescued from the Aquarium of the Americas in New
Orleans-–will waddle to the Kelp Forest exhibit at 11 a.m. and 1
p.m., accompanied by our resident “penguinologist,” who will
answer questions about these cool birds. Also, two children will
get a chance to touch the penguins during each program. For more
information, visit
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/vi/vi_events/vi_events_penguin.asp
New Year’s Eve Party
December 31, Saturday
Celebrate the start of 2006 in style at our “Silver Fishes and
New Year’s Wishes” event on December 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Break out your tuxedo and pearls for a truly elegant evening
beside our stunning displays. Live music, dancing and a champagne
toast at midnight round out the evening. We’re also offering
special dinner options before the party. Tickets go on sale
November 1. Watch for details soon on our web site.
4. CONSERVATION IN ACTION: SALMON SHARK TAGGING, BECOME AN OCEAN ADVOCATE
Salmon sharks frequently travel across waters that range from
near-freezing to subtropical–unless, of course, they stay put for
the winter in food-rich but icy fjords along Alaska’s coast.
Scientists with our Tagging of Pacific Pelagics (TOPP) program
tagged 51 of these white shark cousins, and studied their
cold-tolerant hearts in a three-year study, published recently in
the journal “Science.”
The paper is a landmark for TOPP, demonstrating the effectiveness
of electronic tags and tagging techniques. It’s the first
significant scientific publication from the multi-year,
multi-species and multi-disciplinary program. Studying animal
behavior and physiology is a powerful approach to building a
complete ecological picture of the North Pacific marine
ecosystem. It also gives scientists insight into the evolutionary
factors behind each species’ habitat use.
You can visit the TOPP web site to learn more about this
important study and follow the tracks of satellite tag-bearing
TOPP animals-–in real time!
http://www.toppcensus.org/web/FeatureDetails.aspx?id=58&WG=10
In June 2004, we created the Center for the Future of the Oceans
to inspire action for conservation of the oceans. Through the
Center, we aim to empower individuals, influence policy and
contribute to the protection of the oceans for future
generations. As part of our efforts, we’d like you to join forces
with us and take action on critical ocean issues. We're building
an Ocean Action Team-–a network of people like you who want to
make a difference for healthy oceans by writing letters, speaking
out and stepping up. You can learn more and sign up now for our
“Ocean Action Team” so together we can protect our oceans for
future generations. http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/cffo.asp
5. FREE OFFERS: SHARK POSTER, OCEAN SUNFISH WALLPAPER
This month’s Sea Notes specials include a free shark poster and
wallpaper of*one of our visitors’ favorite animals, the ocean
sunfish (Mola mola).*
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_seanotes/vi_seanotes_specials.asp
*******
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a non-profit institution. Our
mission is to inspire conservation of the oceans. You can support
our many education programs and marine research projects by:
- Becoming a member or making an online donation.
http://www.mbayaq.org/md/
- Sending a conservation-oriented electronic postcard to friends.
http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/efc_se/se_vwl_help.asp
We welcome your thoughts and comments.
(equarist@mbayaq.org)
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Sea Notes
November 2005
1. EXHIBIT NEWS: SEA HARES, HORN SHARKS, OCEAN SUNFISH, FIVE SEA
OTTERS
We’ve introduced a 40-pound ocean sunfish to the Outer Bay
exhibit. Our aquarists collected it from Monterey Bay, and held
it behind the scenes for three weeks as they trained it to come
to a target for its meals, in this case by associating a red ball
with food. Target training is essential for the slow swimmers in
the million-gallon exhibit, because swift-moving tuna gobble up
food so fast the slower fishes can’t compete. The ocean sunfish
is fed twice a day, around 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Stop by to watch
this unusual fish being fed-–just look for a large red ball
floating in the water at the top of the exhibit.
For the first time in our history there are five sea otters on
exhibit-–Mae, Maggie, Rosa, Toola and Joy. Introductions went
smoothly, and all five seem to be getting along well. Toola and
Joy-–who serve as surrogate mothers to stranded otter pups behind
the scenes-–are not as familiar with training behaviors as are
Mae, Maggie and Rosa, but they are quickly learning such basic
behaviors as “stay,” “follow,” “out,” and going into an adjacent
holding pool on command. Watch all five on our live Otter Cam at
http://montereybayaquarium.org/efc/efc_otter/otter_cam.asp
In the movies, Wallace & Gromit are hunting for a mammoth
were-rabbit. You can have your own “hare-raising” adventure in
the Rocky Reefs & Crevices exhibit in the Kelp Gallery as you
look for four California sea hares. These huge sea slugs are
related to nudibranchs but get considerably larger–-reaching up
to 18 inches in length.
Look for two young horn sharks in the shark pup display in
“Sharks: Myth and Mystery.” They came to us from Scripps
Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. From their small
size, we estimate they’re about two months old. You can watch a
video clip of a horn shark hatching from its egg case at the
Shark Discovery Cart just outside “Sharks.”
Visit What’s New on our web site to learn about these and other
new arrivals in our exhibits.
http://www.mbayaq.org/news/
2. AQUARIUM NEWS: NEW ORLEANS PENGUINS ON EXHIBIT, THE SEARCH FOR A YOUNG EXPLORER
Our penguin exhibit is a little jazzier these days, thanks to a
visit from some New Orleans penguins. While the Aquarium of the
Americas works to get back up and running in the wake of
Hurricane Katrina, its 19 penguins–-16 African blackfooted
penguins and 3 rockhoppers–-are staying with us. And they’re
seeing some of their relatives for the first time in years. (Our
resident blackfooted penguins originally came from the aquarium
in New Orleans.)
Both colonies will make a short stay behind the scenes through
October 28 while their Splash Zone exhibit receives some routine
maintenance and a new viewing window. (The rest of Splash Zone
reopens on October 22.) Once they return to the exhibit, you can
see all 34 birds when you visit, or via our live Penguin Cam at
http://montereybayaquarium.org/efc/efc_splash/splash_cam.asp.
You can also get a closer look during our popular “Meet the
Penguin” program just before Thanksgiving.
Also at the aquarium, but not on exhibit, are Buck and Emma–-two
sea otters flown to Monterey from the Aquarium of the Americas
along with the penguins. Both otters are doing great and remain
behind the scenes. They are fed five times a day, and receive
live crabs, clams, mussels, ice and toys for enrichment.
Currently, there are no plans to place them on exhibit.
For the complete story of how the New Orleans penguins and Buck
and Emma came to Monterey, visit
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/efc/exhibit_updates/exhibit_updates_popup.asp
Know of a daring explorer between ages of 10 and 13? In January,
we’re going to choose an “Official Explorer” to help us promote
“Oceans 2006: A Year of Exploring”–-a series of fun family events
and activities at the aquarium. Any child is eligible, as long as
they’re between the ages of 10 and 13 with a commitment to
conservation. Our Official Explorer will work with aquarium staff
and the media to promote ocean conservation and special
Exploration Events, and host their own blog on our web site. To
apply, just submit an application by December 1, commit to a
one-year term beginning in January, and be comfortable working
with the media. There are great benefits for the explorer and his
or her family! You’ll find details at
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/vi/vi_aquarium/officialexplorer.asp
3. PROMOTIONS & EVENTS: “MEET THE PENGUIN,” NEW YEAR’S EVE
Meet the Penguin
Nov. 21-23, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Free with aquarium admission
We’ll double the fun at this year’s “Meet the Penguin” event on
November 21, 22 and 23. Two blackfooted penguins-–possibly
including one rescued from the Aquarium of the Americas in New
Orleans-–will waddle to the Kelp Forest exhibit at 11 a.m. and 1
p.m., accompanied by our resident “penguinologist,” who will
answer questions about these cool birds. Also, two children will
get a chance to touch the penguins during each program. For more
information, visit
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/vi/vi_events/vi_events_penguin.asp
New Year’s Eve Party
December 31, Saturday
Celebrate the start of 2006 in style at our “Silver Fishes and
New Year’s Wishes” event on December 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Break out your tuxedo and pearls for a truly elegant evening
beside our stunning displays. Live music, dancing and a champagne
toast at midnight round out the evening. We’re also offering
special dinner options before the party. Tickets go on sale
November 1. Watch for details soon on our web site.
4. CONSERVATION IN ACTION: SALMON SHARK TAGGING, BECOME AN OCEAN ADVOCATE
Salmon sharks frequently travel across waters that range from
near-freezing to subtropical–unless, of course, they stay put for
the winter in food-rich but icy fjords along Alaska’s coast.
Scientists with our Tagging of Pacific Pelagics (TOPP) program
tagged 51 of these white shark cousins, and studied their
cold-tolerant hearts in a three-year study, published recently in
the journal “Science.”
The paper is a landmark for TOPP, demonstrating the effectiveness
of electronic tags and tagging techniques. It’s the first
significant scientific publication from the multi-year,
multi-species and multi-disciplinary program. Studying animal
behavior and physiology is a powerful approach to building a
complete ecological picture of the North Pacific marine
ecosystem. It also gives scientists insight into the evolutionary
factors behind each species’ habitat use.
You can visit the TOPP web site to learn more about this
important study and follow the tracks of satellite tag-bearing
TOPP animals-–in real time!
http://www.toppcensus.org/web/FeatureDetails.aspx?id=58&WG=10
In June 2004, we created the Center for the Future of the Oceans
to inspire action for conservation of the oceans. Through the
Center, we aim to empower individuals, influence policy and
contribute to the protection of the oceans for future
generations. As part of our efforts, we’d like you to join forces
with us and take action on critical ocean issues. We're building
an Ocean Action Team-–a network of people like you who want to
make a difference for healthy oceans by writing letters, speaking
out and stepping up. You can learn more and sign up now for our
“Ocean Action Team” so together we can protect our oceans for
future generations. http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/cffo.asp
5. FREE OFFERS: SHARK POSTER, OCEAN SUNFISH WALLPAPER
This month’s Sea Notes specials include a free shark poster and
wallpaper of*one of our visitors’ favorite animals, the ocean
sunfish (Mola mola).*
http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_seanotes/vi_seanotes_specials.asp
*******
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a non-profit institution. Our
mission is to inspire conservation of the oceans. You can support
our many education programs and marine research projects by:
- Becoming a member or making an online donation.
http://www.mbayaq.org/md/
- Sending a conservation-oriented electronic postcard to friends.
http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/efc_se/se_vwl_help.asp
We welcome your thoughts and comments.
(equarist@mbayaq.org)
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940