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Coordinates: 33°45′44″N 118°11′49″W / 33.76216°N 118.19692°W / 33.76216; -118.19692
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{{Short description|Public aquarium in California, U.S.}}
{{Short description|Public aquarium in Long Beach, California, United States}}
{{Infobox zoo
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name = Aquarium of the Pacific
|zoo_name = Aquarium of the Pacific
|date_opened = June 20, 1998<ref name="opening_day"/>
|date_opened = June 20, 1998<ref name="opening_day" />
|logo = Aquarium of the Pacific logo.png
|logo = Aquarium of the Pacific logo.png
|logo_width = 166px
|logo_width = 166px
|logo_caption =
|logo_caption =
|image = Ekilby.jpg
|image = File:Aquarium of the Pacific 2024 February.jpg
|image_width = 250px
|image_width =
|image_caption = Former walkway to the aquarium
|image_caption =
|location = [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]], [[California]], [[United States]]
|location = [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]], [[California]], [[United States]]
|coordinates = {{coord|33.76216|N|118.19692|W|source:placeopedia|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{coord|33.76216|N|118.19692|W|source:placeopedia|display=inline,title}}
|num_animals = 11,000<ref name="zoo_exhibits"/>
|num_animals = 11,000<ref name="zoo_exhibits" />
|num_species = 500<ref name="zoo_exhibits"/>
|num_species = 500<ref name="zoo_exhibits" />
|largest_tank_vol = {{convert|350,000|gal|L}}<ref name="visit-los-angeles"/>
|largest_tank_vol = {{convert|350,000|gal|L}}<ref name="visit-los-angeles" />
|annual_visitors = 1.7 million<ref>{{cite news |last=Abel |first=David |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2016/08/02/aquariumside/aeNq1fhIiUd3i2vZlQ6RZJ/story.html |title=Top aquariums in the US, in terms of visitors |work=[[Boston Globe]] |date=2016-08-02 |access-date=2016-12-02 }}</ref>
|annual_visitors = 1.7 million<ref name="Abel">{{cite news |last=Abel |first=David |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2016/08/02/aquariumside/aeNq1fhIiUd3i2vZlQ6RZJ/story.html |title=Top aquariums in the US, in terms of visitors |work=[[Boston Globe]] |date=2016-08-02 |access-date=2016-12-02}}</ref>
|members = [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]<ref name="aza_list"/>
|members = [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]<ref name="aza_list" />
|exhibits = Coral Reefs: Nature's Underwater Cities, June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Lorikeet Forest, Northern Pacific Gallery, Shark Lagoon, Southern California/Baja Gallery, Tropical Pacific Gallery, Frogs: Dazzling and Disappearing, Sea Otter Habitat<ref name="zoo_exhibits"/>
|exhibits = Coral Reefs: Nature's Underwater Cities, June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Lorikeet Forest, Northern Pacific Gallery, Shark Lagoon, Southern California/Baja Gallery, Tropical Pacific Gallery, Frogs: Dazzling and Disappearing, Sea Otter Habitat<ref name="zoo_exhibits" />
|publictransit = {{LACMTA link logo}} {{LACMTA icon strip|Blue}} [[Downtown Long Beach (Los Angeles Metro station)|Downtown Long Beach]] ([[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A Line]])
|publictransit = {{LACMTA link logo}} {{LACMTA icon strip|Blue}} [[Downtown Long Beach (Los Angeles Metro station)|Downtown Long Beach]] ([[A Line (Los Angeles Metro)|A Line]])
|website = {{URL|http://www.aquariumofpacific.org}}
|website = {{URL|http://www.aquariumofpacific.org}}
|module ={{Infobox mapframe
| stroke-color = #C60C30
| marker = zoo
| marker-color = #1F2F57
| zoom = 13
}} {{Infobox mapframe |wikidata=yes |zoom=16 |marker = zoo |coord={{WikidataCoord|display=i}}}}
}}
}}


The '''Aquarium of the Pacific''' (formerly the '''Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific'''<ref name="visit-los-angeles"/>) is a [[public aquarium]] on a {{convert|5|acre|m2|adj=on}} site on Rainbow Harbor in [[Long Beach, California]], [[United States]]. It is situated across the water from the [[Long Beach Convention Center]], Shoreline Village, and the [[RMS Queen Mary|Queen Mary]] Hotel and Attraction.<ref name="zoo_about"/>
The '''Aquarium of the Pacific''' (formerly the '''Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific'''<ref name="visit-los-angeles" />) is a [[public aquarium]] on a {{convert|5|acre|m2|adj=on}} site on Rainbow Harbor in [[Long Beach, California]], [[United States]]. It is situated across the water from the [[Long Beach Convention Center]], Shoreline Village, and the [[RMS Queen Mary|Queen Mary]] Hotel and Attraction.<ref name="zoo_about" />


The aquarium sees 1.5 million visitors a year and has a total staff of about 1,875 people, including more than 1,500 volunteers and about 375 employees.<ref name="zoo_about"/><ref name="fact_sheet"/> It is a [[501(c)(3)]] [[non-profit]] aquarium.<ref name="zoo_about"/>
The [[aquarium]] is visited by 1.7 million visitors a year and has a staff of approximately 1,875, including more than 1,500 volunteers and 375 employees.<ref name="Abel"/><ref name="fact_sheet" /> The aquarium is a [[501(c)(3)]] [[non-profit]] aquarium and is a current member of the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA).<ref name="zoo_about" /><ref name="aza_list" />


==Exhibits==
The aquarium is an accredited member of the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA).<ref name="aza_list"/>
The aquarium features a collection of over 11,000 animals, representing over 500 different species, in exhibits ranging in size and capacity from about 5,000 to 350,000 gallons.<ref name="visit-los-angeles" />


The [[Pacific Ocean]] is the focus of three major permanent galleries, [[Southern California]] and [[Baja California|Baja]], the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific.<ref name="zoo_exhibits" /> These exhibits introduce the inhabitants and seascapes of the [[Pacific]], and include conservation messages specific to each region.
The aquarium also has a Website where admission tickets are available as well as many other features. On the website there are webcams available that give you a live look into some exhibits from the comfort of your own home. Under the "Events" tab there are resources with everything you will need to know about what the aquarium has going on in the future. There is also a place where anyone of all ages nine and above can apply to volunteer or even donate to "adopt a animal".


[[File:Blue Cavern exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific.jpg|thumb|left|A diver addressing a group of visitors using a specially adapted mask in the ''Blue Cavern'' exhibit]]
==Exhibits==
The aquarium features a collection of over 11,000 animals representing over 500 different species in exhibits ranging in size and capacity from about 5,000 to 350,000 gallons.<ref name="visit-los-angeles"/> Exhibits introduce the inhabitants and seascapes of the [[Pacific]], while also focusing on specific conservation messages associated with each region. The [[Pacific Ocean]] is the focus of three major permanent galleries, sunny [[Southern California]] and [[Baja California|Baja]], the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific.<ref name="zoo_exhibits"/>

[[File:Blue Cavern exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific.jpg|thumb|left|A diver addressing a group of visitors using a specially adapted mask in the Blue Cavern exhibit]]


===Southern California & Baja Gallery===
===Southern California & Baja Gallery===
The Southern California & Baja Gallery features the varied habitats of this region. The first exhibit is the {{convert|142,000|USgal|L|adj=on}} three-story Blue Cavern tank, which houses animals that live in the waters surrounding nearby [[Santa Catalina Island, California|Catalina Island]]. Next is the Amber Forest exhibit, which replicates a [[Giant kelp]] forest with [[Garibaldi (fish)|Garibaldi]], [[Scorpaena|California scorpionfish]], and other representative organisms.<ref name="baja_gallery"/> The [[Gulf of California]] exhibit houses [[Thalassoma lucasanum|Cortez rainbow wrasse]], [[Mexican lookdown]]s, [[porcupine fish]], and others.<ref name="CA_gulf"/> Other areas of the gallery include the {{convert|211,000|USgal|L|adj=on}} Seal and [[Sea Lion]] Habitat, [[Batoidea|Ray]] Touch Pool, and [[Wader|Shorebird]] Sanctuary.<ref name="baja_gallery"/>
The Southern California & Baja Gallery features the varied habitats of this region. The first exhibit is the {{convert|142,000|USgal|L|adj=on}} three-story Blue Cavern tank, which houses animals that live in the waters surrounding [[Santa Catalina Island, California|Catalina Island]].
Next is the [[Lovers Cove State Marine Conservation Area and Casino Point State Marine Conservation Area|Casino Point]] exhibit, which replicates a [[Giant kelp]] forest with [[Garibaldi (fish)|Garibaldi]], [[Scorpaena|California scorpionfish]], and other representative organisms.<ref name="baja_gallery" /> The [[Gulf of California]] exhibit houses [[Thalassoma lucasanum|Cortez rainbow wrasse]], [[Mexican lookdown]]s, [[porcupine fish]], and others.<ref name="CA_gulf" /> Other areas of the gallery include the {{convert|211,000|USgal|L|adj=on}} Seal and [[Sea Lion]] Habitat, [[Batoidea|Ray]] Touch Pool, and [[Wader|Shorebird]] Sanctuary.<ref name="baja_gallery" />


===Northern Pacific Gallery===
===Northern Pacific Gallery===
The Northern Pacific Gallery focuses on organisms from the [[Bering Sea]].<ref name="northern_pacific"/> Exhibits include the Sea Otter Habitat, home to [[Sea otter|southern sea otters]];<ref name="sea_otter"/> the [[giant Pacific octopus]] tank; and Diving Birds, where [[puffin]]s and [[auklet]]s live. Other species on display include [[Japanese spider crab]]s, [[jellyfish]], and [[sea anemone]]s.<ref name="northern_pacific"/>
The Northern Pacific Gallery focuses on organisms from the [[Bering Sea]].<ref name="northern_pacific" /> Exhibits include the Sea Otter Habitat, home to [[Sea otter|southern sea otters]];<ref name="sea_otter" /> the [[giant Pacific octopus]] tank; and Diving Birds, where [[puffin]]s and [[auklet]]s live. Other species on display include [[Japanese spider crab]]s, [[jellyfish]], and [[sea anemone]]s.<ref name="northern_pacific" />
{{clear}}

===Tropical Pacific Gallery===
The Tropical Pacific Gallery exhibits animals off the coast of the islands of [[Palau]] and has the aquarium's largest tank, the {{convert|350000|USgal|L|adj=on}} Tropical Reef Habitat. This tank houses [[olive ridley sea turtle]]s, [[zebra shark]]s, and many other species. Elsewhere in the Gallery are [[big-belly seahorse]]s, [[leafy seadragon]]s, [[weedy seadragon]]s, and [[Laticauda colubrina|sea kraits]].<ref name="tropical_pacific"/>

===Explorer's Cove===
[[File:Trichoglossus haematodus -Aquarium of the Pacific -three-8b.jpg|thumb|right|Three [[Rainbow Lorikeets]] at the aquarium]]
The aquarium's main outdoor area, Explorer's Cove, encompasses the Shark Lagoon and Lorikeet Forest, [[Aurelia aurita|Moon Jellies]] and The Steel Trout/[[Rainbow trout|Rainbow Trout]] tank. Also availiable are shops with aquarium merchandise and even a smoothie shop that offers a variety of smoothies and small snacks.

====Shark Lagoon====
This {{convert|10000|ft2|m2|adj=on}} exhibit area houses over 150 sharks and rays. The main tank houses larger spec [[Batoidea|rays]], [[blacktip reef shark]]s, [[grey reef shark]]s, [[zebra shark]]s, and a [[sand tiger shark]], while the more docile [[Bamboo shark|bamboo]] and [[epaulette shark]]s live in the three touch pools.<ref name="sharks"/> Guests are able to touch these sharks and rays with two fingers as directed by the volunteers and staff.

====Lorikeet Forest====
The Lorikeet Forest is a walk-through aviary that covers {{convert|3200|ft2|m2}} and houses five subspecies of [[rainbow lorikeet]] as well as the [[violet-necked lory]]. Guests may feed them small amounts of nectar for a fee.<ref name="lorikeets"/>

===June Keyes Penguin Habitat===
This exhibit for the [[Magellanic penguin]] opened in May 2012. An underwater crawl-in space allows guests to view the penguins from within the tank.<ref name="penguin_opening"/>

=== Pacific Visions ===
In 2018, the aquarium opened a new wing named Pacific Visions, which houses a 266-seat [[4D film|4D]] theater with a 30 foot tall, 180 degree wraparound screen. The film is 8 minutes long, and free with aquarium admission. The wing also features new animal exhibits, including a [[cleaner shrimp]] touch tank, and several interactive art installations.

=== '''Seals and Sea Lions Habitat''' ===
This habitat is home to the aquarium's [[Sea lion|Sea Lions]] as well as [[Harbor seal|Harbor Seals]]. These seals often perform shows that are very informational about the seals. There are opportunities for guests to actually go into the habitat and feed the seals sardines. For guests still in the stands you may see the seals perform tricks or let out very loud yells that are entertaining to witness.

===Other attractions===
In spring 2010, the aquarium opened a new {{convert|4700|ft2|m2|adj=on}} Earth-Friendly Garden on its front lawn. The garden features California native and drought-resistant plants, as well as a very efficient irrigation system, to show part of the solution to Southern California's ongoing water shortage problems.<ref name="zoo_garden"/>

==Activities==
The Aquarium of the Pacific's marine science and conservation ventures include: breeding and conservation programs for endangered marine animals and habitats; housing of unreleasable seals, sea lions, and sea otters from local care centers and marine parks; beach and habitat cleanups; a variety of green business practices; and continuing efforts to educate visitors on the importance the ocean, its threats, and conservation, including the hazards of [[marine pollution]], [[over-harvesting]], [[habitat destruction]] and global [[climate change]]. One example is a [[trashion]] festival with works by [[Marina DeBris]] educating about ocean pollution.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bennett|first1=Sarah|title=Aquarium's Urban Ocean Festival Educates With Trash Fashion, Local Seafood and Art|url=http://lbpost.com/life/2000002220-aquarium-s-urban-ocean-festival-hopes-to-educate-with-trash-fashion-local-seafood-and-art|access-date=9 April 2017|publisher=Long Beach Post|date=3 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410050625/http://lbpost.com/life/2000002220-aquarium-s-urban-ocean-festival-hopes-to-educate-with-trash-fashion-local-seafood-and-art|archive-date=10 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Aquarium of the Pacific is also home to many cultural events throughout the year, such as the Pacific Islander Festival in the summer, the Moompetam Festival in the fall, special treats for the animals at Christmas, the Festival of Human Abilities in January, and the African Heritage Festival in February.

In partnership with some of the local whale watching tourboats guests are able to buy bundle tickets that allow for admission into the aquarium and a three hour long trip into the pacific ocean off the Californian coast. Guests have the opportunity to see many different whales, dolphins and other sealife. Most commonly seen are [[Gray whale|Gray Whales]], Humpback Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins.

==Architecture==
{{Location map+|United States Long Beach|width=300|caption=The Aquarium of the Pacific is located near downtown Long Beach.
|places=
{{Location map~|United States Long Beach|label=Aquarium of the Pacific
|lat_deg=033 |lat_min=045 |lat_sec=044 |lat_dir=N
|lon_deg=118 |lon_min=011 |lon_sec=049 |lon_dir=W
|position=bottom}}
}}
The aquarium architecture is inspired by the towering, breaking waves of the Pacific and mirrors the fluid and dynamic temper of the ocean. Kajima International, developers of the world's most critically acclaimed and technologically advanced aquariums, was the developer of the Aquarium of the Pacific and architects included the Los Angeles office of Hellmuth, Obata & Kassanbaum and Esherick Homsey Dodge and Davis of San Francisco. Construction was a joint venture of Turner Construction Company and Kajima International. On June 20, 1998, construction was completed and the aquarium opened to the public.<ref name="beachcalifornia"/>

==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Exquisitur.jpg|Entrance to tropical gallery, designed to replicate a tropical [[coral reef]] lagoon
Exquisitur.jpg|Entrance to the ''Tropical Pacific Gallery'', designed to replicate a tropical [[coral reef]] lagoon.
File:Plasticbystander.jpg|[[California sea lion]] during training session
Plasticbystander.jpg|[[California sea lion]] during a training session.
File:Topofbigtrop.jpg|Top of 350,000 gallon tropical habitat, viewable only during behind the scenes tours
Topofbigtrop.jpg|Top of 350,000 gallon tropical habitat, viewable only during behind-the-scenes tours.
Steven pets a stingray.jpg|One of the touch pools.
Leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) eating.webm|Video of [[leafy seadragon]]s (''Phycodurus eques'') eating.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist |colwidth=30em |refs=
{{reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=
<ref name="aza_list">{{ZooOrg|aza|zoos|access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="aza_list">
{{ZooOrg|aza|zoos|accessdate=May 1, 2012}}
</ref>

<ref name="baja_gallery">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/southern_california_baja_gallery/ |title=Southern California/Baja Gallery |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=14 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722055439/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/southern_california_baja_gallery/ |archive-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="baja_gallery">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/southern_california_baja_gallery/ |title=Southern California/Baja Gallery |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=14 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722055439/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/southern_california_baja_gallery/ |archive-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="CA_gulf">{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/southern_california_baja_gallery/gulf_of_california |title=Gulf of California |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="beachcalifornia">{{cite web|url=http://www.beachcalifornia.com/aquarium.html|title=Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach, CA|work=beachcalifornia.com|publisher=BeachCalifornia.com|access-date=5 December 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="northern_pacific">{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/northern_pacific_gallery |title=Northern Pacific Gallery |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=29 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623144948/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/northern_pacific_gallery/ |archive-date=23 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="opening_day">{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/blogs/comments/remembering_grand_opening_day |title=Remembering Grand Opening Day |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |date=17 June 2008 |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206023614/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/blogs/comments/remembering_grand_opening_day |archive-date=6 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="sea_otter">{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/northern_pacific_gallery/otters/ |title=BP Sea Otter Habitat |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref>
<ref name="CA_gulf">
<ref name="visit-los-angeles">{{cite web |url=http://long-beach-aquarium-of-the-pacific.visit-los-angeles.com/ |title=The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific |work=visit-los-angeles.com |publisher=Analytical Software Packages, Inc. |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717214941/http://long-beach-aquarium-of-the-pacific.visit-los-angeles.com/ |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/southern_california_baja_gallery/gulf_of_california |title=Gulf of California |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="lorikeets">
{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/lorikeet_forest/ |title=Lorikeet Forest |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623135802/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/lorikeet_forest/ |archive-date=23 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="northern_pacific">
{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/northern_pacific_gallery |title=Northern Pacific Gallery |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=29 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623144948/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/northern_pacific_gallery/ |archive-date=23 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="opening_day">{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/blogs/comments/remembering_grand_opening_day |title=Remembering Grand Opening Day |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |date=17 June 2008 |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206023614/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/blogs/comments/remembering_grand_opening_day |archive-date=6 December 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="penguin_opening">{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/news/story/magellanic_penguins_go_on_exhibit_may_17 |title=Magellanic Penguins Go On Exhibit May 17 |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |date=1 May 2012 |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206015611/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/news/story/magellanic_penguins_go_on_exhibit_may_17 |archive-date=6 December 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="sea_otter">
{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/northern_pacific_gallery/otters/ |title=BP Sea Otter Habitat |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="sharks">
{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/shark_lagoon/ |title=Shark Lagoon |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722061551/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/shark_lagoon/ |archive-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="tropical_pacific">
{{cite web |url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/tropical_pacific_gallery |title=Northern Pacific Gallery |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=29 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623131035/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/tropical_pacific_gallery/ |archive-date=23 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="visit-los-angeles">
{{cite web |url=http://long-beach-aquarium-of-the-pacific.visit-los-angeles.com/ |title=The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific |work=visit-los-angeles.com |publisher=Analytical Software Packages, Inc. |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717214941/http://long-beach-aquarium-of-the-pacific.visit-los-angeles.com/ |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="zoo_about">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/downloads/Annual_Report_2017.pdf |title=2017 Annual Report |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="zoo_about">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/downloads/Annual_Report_2017.pdf |title=2017 Annual Report |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="fact_sheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/downloads/aop_fact_sheet_2017.pdf |title=Aquarium of the Pacific Institutional Fact Sheet |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="fact_sheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/downloads/aop_fact_sheet_2017.pdf |title=Aquarium of the Pacific Institutional Fact Sheet |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="zoo_exhibits">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/ |title=Aquarium Exhibits |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107120947/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits |archive-date=7 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="zoo_exhibits">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/ |title=Aquarium Exhibits |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107120947/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits |archive-date=7 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="zoo_garden">{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/newsevents/newsdetail/new_earth-friendly_garden_opens_at_the_aquarium/ |title=New Earth-Friendly Garden Opens at the Aquarium |work=aquariumofpacific.org |publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific |date=22 April 2010 |access-date=5 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927152348/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/newsevents/newsdetail/new_earth-friendly_garden_opens_at_the_aquarium/ |archive-date=27 September 2011 }}</ref>
}}
}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.aquariumofpacific.org}}
* {{Official website|http://www.aquariumofpacific.org}}


Latest revision as of 16:38, 16 August 2024

Aquarium of the Pacific
Map
33°45′44″N 118°11′49″W / 33.76216°N 118.19692°W / 33.76216; -118.19692
Date openedJune 20, 1998[1]
LocationLong Beach, California, United States
No. of animals11,000[2]
No. of species500[2]
Volume of largest tank350,000 US gallons (1,300,000 L)[3]
Annual visitors1.7 million[4]
MembershipsAZA[5]
Major exhibitsCoral Reefs: Nature's Underwater Cities, June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Lorikeet Forest, Northern Pacific Gallery, Shark Lagoon, Southern California/Baja Gallery, Tropical Pacific Gallery, Frogs: Dazzling and Disappearing, Sea Otter Habitat[2]
Public transit access A Line  Downtown Long Beach (A Line)
Websitewww.aquariumofpacific.org

The Aquarium of the Pacific (formerly the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific[3]) is a public aquarium on a 5-acre (20,000 m2) site on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, United States. It is situated across the water from the Long Beach Convention Center, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary Hotel and Attraction.[6]

The aquarium is visited by 1.7 million visitors a year and has a staff of approximately 1,875, including more than 1,500 volunteers and 375 employees.[4][7] The aquarium is a 501(c)(3) non-profit aquarium and is a current member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).[6][5]

Exhibits

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The aquarium features a collection of over 11,000 animals, representing over 500 different species, in exhibits ranging in size and capacity from about 5,000 to 350,000 gallons.[3]

The Pacific Ocean is the focus of three major permanent galleries, Southern California and Baja, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific.[2] These exhibits introduce the inhabitants and seascapes of the Pacific, and include conservation messages specific to each region.

A diver addressing a group of visitors using a specially adapted mask in the Blue Cavern exhibit
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The Southern California & Baja Gallery features the varied habitats of this region. The first exhibit is the 142,000-US-gallon (540,000 L) three-story Blue Cavern tank, which houses animals that live in the waters surrounding Catalina Island.

Next is the Casino Point exhibit, which replicates a Giant kelp forest with Garibaldi, California scorpionfish, and other representative organisms.[8] The Gulf of California exhibit houses Cortez rainbow wrasse, Mexican lookdowns, porcupine fish, and others.[9] Other areas of the gallery include the 211,000-US-gallon (800,000 L) Seal and Sea Lion Habitat, Ray Touch Pool, and Shorebird Sanctuary.[8]

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The Northern Pacific Gallery focuses on organisms from the Bering Sea.[10] Exhibits include the Sea Otter Habitat, home to southern sea otters;[11] the giant Pacific octopus tank; and Diving Birds, where puffins and auklets live. Other species on display include Japanese spider crabs, jellyfish, and sea anemones.[10]

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  • Entrance to the Tropical Pacific Gallery, designed to replicate a tropical coral reef lagoon.
    Entrance to the Tropical Pacific Gallery, designed to replicate a tropical coral reef lagoon.
  • California sea lion during a training session.
    California sea lion during a training session.
  • Top of 350,000 gallon tropical habitat, viewable only during behind-the-scenes tours.
    Top of 350,000 gallon tropical habitat, viewable only during behind-the-scenes tours.
  • One of the touch pools.
    One of the touch pools.
  • Video of leafy seadragons (Phycodurus eques) eating.

References

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  1. ^ "Remembering Grand Opening Day". aquariumofpacific.org. Aquarium of the Pacific. 17 June 2008. Archived from the original on 6 December 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d "Aquarium Exhibits". aquariumofpacific.org. Aquarium of the Pacific. Archived from the original on 7 November 2010. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
  3. ^ a b c "The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific". visit-los-angeles.com. Analytical Software Packages, Inc. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
  4. ^ a b Abel, David (2016-08-02). "Top aquariums in the US, in terms of visitors". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
  5. ^ a b "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  6. ^ a b "2017 Annual Report" (PDF). aquariumofpacific.org. Aquarium of the Pacific. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  7. ^ "Aquarium of the Pacific Institutional Fact Sheet" (PDF). aquariumofpacific.org. Aquarium of the Pacific. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  8. ^ "Gulf of California". aquariumofpacific.org. Aquarium of the Pacific. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  9. ^ a b "Northern Pacific Gallery". aquariumofpacific.org. Aquarium of the Pacific. Archived from the original on 23 June 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  10. ^ "BP Sea Otter Habitat". aquariumofpacific.org. Aquarium of the Pacific. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
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