Skip to main content
Aquarium Home
Today's Hours: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Aquarium News

Learn about our latest programs and animal updates

Comb jelly on black background

Credit: Robin Riggs

News Articles

Sea otter Maggie

April 9, 2021

Aquarium Staff Mourning the Passing of Maggie the Sea Otter

We are saddened to report that Maggie, our 20-year-old sea otter, passed away today. Due to advanced age, Maggie had been showing a decline in health in recent months.

harpo sea lion with mouth open

March 12, 2021

The Aquarium is Fully Open

Explore all our exhibits, including sea otters, sharks, sea jellies, frogs, and more in our Tropical, Northern, and Southern California/Baja Galleries.

Gatz the Penguin

March 11, 2021

2021 Penguin Breeding Season Update

As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan for penguins, the Aquarium works with fellow accredited zoos and aquariums as part of these conservation efforts.

High Tide Student Film Festival key word art over a black and white rocky coast with splashing waves

March 5, 2021

High Tide Student Film Festival Launch

SoCal students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit short films for the chance to win cash prizes and be featured in the Aquarium’s High Tide Student Film Festival

two women and young boy looking into tropical pacific gallery

February 23, 2021

The Value of Membership

Membership is a great value no matter how you look at it. Each level is priced so that the membership pays for itself in a few visits. Plus, members receive 12 months of valuable benefits.

African American Scholars 2021 Recipient collage

February 11, 2021

African-American Scholar Program 2021 Recipients

Each of the recipients will receive $10,000 and be invited to participate in presentations, meetings, and other activities at the Aquarium for the duration of the program

Close-up of sea lion looking to left

January 25, 2021

Aquarium Reopens with Outdoor Exhibits

The Aquarium of the Pacific will reopen on Saturday January 30 with outdoor exhibits only in accordance with state health orders. Indoor areas will be temporarily closed.

Girl with family feeding lorikeets from cup

December 21, 2020

2020 at the Aquarium

Read about the education, conservation, animal care, and outreach work that happened at the Aquarium this year despite the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Academy educator in front of a sea turtle on screen

December 18, 2020

Aquarium Online Academy Winter Kids Club

These free live classes, paired with fun and educational at-home activities, will engage your child during their winter break at home.

Molina Family Portrait

December 10, 2020

Molina Family Donation Aims to Help the Aquarium Survive the Pandemic

The family’s donation of $75,000 was made to honor the late Dr. C. David Molina and help the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Molina family is asking everyone who has lost a loved one and wants to make a donation in their honor or who has a personal connection to the Aquarium to join them in helping the institution and its animals at this critical time.

Sea otter holding a red star

December 5, 2020

Enjoy Virtual Offerings and Donate

Due to new Safer-at-Home orders, the Aquarium has fully closed to the public for at least three weeks starting Sunday, December 6, 2020. We were all hoping for a better holiday season. For some relief during this challenging time, we invite you to enjoy our Virtual Offerings. Also, please help us with whatever donation you can afford.

Young masked mad feeds rays by hand while wading in a shallow pool

November 4, 2020

New Animal Encounters Now Booking With COVID Safety Measures

For those in search of outdoor activities with COVID-19 safety measures, the Aquarium of the Pacific is offering up-close experiences with its animals.

Moon Jelly Feed Experience

October 15, 2020

Feed the Moon Jellies on Harbor Terrace

Purchase a cup of tiny brine shrimp to gently pour over the jellies and watch as they collect the food with their stinging tentacles.

Pacific Visions exterior

September 14, 2020

Now Accepting Applications for African American Scholar Program

The Aquarium will award $50,000 each year to support African American students who demonstrate a commitment to studies related to careers in the aquarium field.

Penguin close-up portrait

July 29, 2020

Penguin Encounters Now Availabile

Participants will have the chance to sit next to a penguin as it waddles around outside the June Keyes Penguin Habitat before the Aquarium opens to the public in the morning.