What’s New at the Aquarium

January 14, 2022

Visit the new sea otter pup in the Northern Pacific Gallery’s Sea Otter Habitat on the second floor. In February our TikTok followers selected the name Ryder for this pup during a live broadcast. Ryder was orphaned and rescued off the coast of Pismo Beach, California. Government wildlife officials determined that he could not survive on his own in the wild and deemed him unreleasable. The Aquarium offered to give Ryder a temporary home, and since he arrived, he has been learning sea otter skills from our resident adult Betty.

There is also a new resident in the large exhibit in Shark Lagoon. A two-year-old female sandbar shark that was born at another aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums joins the animals highlighted in the Aquarium’s Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities exhibits. Check out the rest of the coral reef animals in the Tropical Pacific Gallery, and see the Coral Reefs film in Pacific Visions.

Starting February 1 join us aboard a whale watching cruise to search local waters for migrating gray whales. Combo tickets include whale watching and Aquarium admission.

Several cultural festivals take place in the first months of the year, including the Festival of Human Abilities on January 29 and 30. This festival celebrates the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. On February 26 and 27 the Aquarium will host its twentieth annual African American Festival, featuring music, dance, storytelling, and historical displays. The International Children’s Festival on March 19 and 20 will include live performances and the presentation of the Aquarium’s Young Hero Award.

Enjoy a night out with friends and meet new people at First Wednesdays at the Aquarium. These events include a guest speaker, cocktail hour, and fun extras like crafts, book signings with touring authors, and more. In February learn about killer whales (orcas) off the coast of Southern California and experience Paint A Fish in the Pacific Visions art gallery. Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with a date night at the Aquarium for Night Dive on February 11. See live music and grab a bite from food trucks on the front plaza. Noche de Estrellas, the Aquarium’s Latin-themed late night event, will be held on March 4 with live bands and dancing.