The Aquarium of the Pacific, located in Long Beach, California, just south of Los Angeles, stands as a premier aquatic institution on the West Coast. Since its opening in June 1998, the Aquarium has been a beacon of marine education, conservation, and research, drawing visitors from around the world to explore the wonders of the Pacific Ocean. Spread across a 5-acre site on Rainbow Harbor, the facility houses more than 11,000 animals representing over 500 different species, with a special focus on the Pacific Ocean’s diverse marine life.
The mission of the Aquarium of the Pacific is multifaceted, aiming to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. It achieves this through innovative exhibits, education programs, and research initiatives that highlight the complexity of marine environments and the importance of their conservation. The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), signifying its commitment to high standards of animal care, conservation, and education.
One of the distinguishing features of the Aquarium of the Pacific is its array of immersive exhibits that transport visitors across different regions of the Pacific. The Southern California/Baja Gallery, for instance, showcases the rich biodiversity of the local marine environments, featuring species such as leopard sharks, sea jellies, and the giant Pacific octopus. The Tropical Pacific Gallery offers a colorful glimpse into the coral reefs of the Palau islands, housing a vast array of fish, coral, and other invertebrates. Additionally, the Northern Pacific Gallery introduces visitors to the colder waters of the Pacific, with exhibits that include playful sea otters and the impressive giant Pacific octopus.
Education and conservation are at the heart of the Aquarium’s mission. It offers a wide range of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational talks that provide insights into marine science and conservation. The Aquarium’s conservation efforts extend beyond its walls, with initiatives that include breeding and rehabilitation programs for endangered species, as well as participation in local and global conservation projects aimed at protecting marine habitats and addressing climate change.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is also a center for scientific research, focusing on urban ocean conservation, climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and sustainable seafood practices. Through its research, the Aquarium seeks to contribute to the global understanding of marine environments and to develop solutions for their preservation.
In recent years, the Aquarium has expanded its facilities and exhibits to enhance the visitor experience and further its educational and conservation goals. The Pacific Visions wing, which opened in 2019, is a notable addition that focuses on the environmental challenges facing the Pacific Ocean and explores sustainable solutions through interactive technology and art installations.
Overall, the Aquarium of the Pacific serves as a vital institution dedicated to celebrating the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Ocean, fostering a deeper understanding of its ecosystems, and promoting actions to preserve its health for future generations.