Aquarium of the Pacific
Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, to embark on an educational adventure through the Pacific Ocean!
Located on Rainbow Harbor, the Aquarium of the Pacific (originally the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific) is a public aquarium covering an area of 5 acres (20,000 m2). The Long Beach Convention Center, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary Hotel and Attraction are all visible across the sea from this location.
Approximately 1,875 individuals work at the aquarium, including over 1,500 volunteers and roughly 375 paid personnel serving the aquarium's annual 1.5 million guests. The aquarium operates under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a public charity.
This one has the seal of approval (AZA) regarding zoos and aquariums. Exhibits at the aquarium range in size from around 5,000 to 350,000 gallons, and together they hold about 11,000 animals representing over 500 species.
The Pacific's diverse marine life and breathtaking landscapes are introduced in these exhibits, which also highlight regionally relevant conservation messages. Three main permanent galleries are dedicated to different regions of the Pacific Ocean: warm and sunny Southern California and Baja, cold and icy Northern Pacific, and vibrant and colorful Tropical Pacific reefs.
In addition to its impressive collection of natural and cultural artifacts, the Aquarium of the Pacific also hosts a wide variety of events and programs designed to inform and engage visitors of all ages, bring together experts to address global environmental challenges, foster collaboration between the scientific and artistic communities, and protect wildlife and ecosystems in peril.
The Aquarium's groundbreaking research on the successful artificial insemination of endangered zebra sharks has been published in the freely accessible journal Frontiers in Marine Science!
The Aquarium of the Pacific's marine research and conservation operations include breeding and conservation programs for endangered marine species and habitats; sea lions, the housing of unreleasable seals and sea otters from local care centers and marine parks; a range of green business practices; beach and habitat cleanups; and ongoing education on the ocean's value, risks, and conservation, including marine pollution.
In order to raise awareness about the dangers of ocean pollution, Marina DeBris has participated in a trashion festival!
Many cultural celebrations occur at the Pacific Aquarium throughout the year. These include the Pacific Islander Festival in the summer, Christmas treats for the animals, the Moompetam Festival in the fall, the Festival of Human Abilities in January, and the African Heritage Festival in February.