Aquarium of the Pacific
Overview
The Aquarium's mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants and ecosystems, by involving the community, the region, and the nation in engaging, educational, and empowering exhibits and programs. Our vision is to create the first aquarium, and perhaps the first institution, in the world dedicated to conserving and building Natural Capital (Nature and Nature's services) by building Social Capital (the interactions between and among peoples). Opened in 1998 and located on the urban waterfront in Long Beach, California, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. The 156,000 square foot campus houses over 11,000 animal inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean, which provide the foundation for all Aquarium activities and serve as ambassadors for their animal counterparts in the wild.
Financials
Programs
Animal Care
$13mThe aquarium's husbandry department oversees all of the care, feeding, and life support systems needed to support over 11,000 animals representing over 500 species in more than 50 exhibits, including several touch tank experiences. Sea lions, sea otters, sharks, rays, diving birds, sea jellies, corals, sea dragons, turtles, and fish of all types from temperate to tropical species are on display. Caretaking includes feeding of the highest quality sustainable seafood available, monitoring water quality and all life support systems, medical exams and routine procedures, and providing proper exhibit and behind the scenes space available to the animals.
Guest Services
$7.4mResponsible for all guest interactions except for education and interpretation. Collect funds from on-site visitors, ensure safety and cleanliness of the facility
Education
$4.5mThe aquarium's education programs are designed to foster connections between people and the ocean, and to advance science learning for a broad range of learners of all ages and backgrounds. At the heart of the aquarium's education department are over 20 classroom and auditorium programs that align with california mandated science k-12 standards, complementing and reinforcing what students learn in their regular classrooms, and exposing them to a unique, hands-on learning experience. We also serve title i and other disadvantaged students through our scholarship program, on-site free admission or a visit to the school site by aquarium on wheels. The aquarium on wheels, our outreach vehicle has served an average of 35,439 students and community members annually with educational presentations and interactive touch tanks.
