GET READY TO CELEBRATE!

N E W S F R O M T H E S E AT T L E A Q U A R I U M S O C I E T Y
OUR MISSION: Inspiring conservation
of our marine environment.
SPRING 2007
U P D A T E :
GET READY TO CELEBRATE!
The expanded Seattle Aquarium will open to the public on June 22nd, completing three years
of planning, fundraising and construction. We are excited to welcome you to see and enjoy all
the new features – please see the back cover for special Member Open House reservation
information. This opening marks the 30th Anniversary of the Seattle Aquarium. Sometime this
year you may become our nineteen millionth visitor, and what a visit it will be!
John R. Braden, Director
Seattle Aquarium
Robert W. Davidson, CEO
Seattle Aquarium Society
AQUARIUM HOURS
OF OPERATION
Seven days per week, the
Seattle Aquarium now opens
at 9:30am – half an hour
earlier than usual! As always,
last entry is at 5:00pm and
exhibits close at 6:00pm.
P L E A S E
N O T E :
UPCOMING AQUARIUM
CLOSURES
June 8, 2007:
For Splash!, our annual
fundraising gala
June 21, 2007:
To prepare for the opening
of our expanded space
NEW CURRENTS CAPITAL FUNDRAISING UPDATE
IDC Member Campaign Exceeds 1,000 Donors
Since September of last year, over 1,000 Aquarium
members have pledged their support of our New Currents
capital campaign via an outreach effort conducted by IDC, a
professional fundraising firm. This campaign represents the
first time in Aquarium history that members have been asked
for support – deep gratitude goes to all who have contributed
to the capital campaign thus far.
The Kresge Foundation provided a big boost to the
fundraising efforts when it awarded an $800,000 challenge
grant to the Aquarium that allows donors to double the impact
of their gift once the campaign goal has been reached.
To date, IDC has contacted 18,000 Aquarium members by letter
and phone to ask for their support. Haven’t heard from them
yet? There’s still time. IDC will continue the outreach campaign
through May of this year. There’s still $3 million to raise by June
22, when the expanded Aquarium opens. Remember, every
contribution helps – even small amounts!
$250,000 M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust
Grant Awarded
To make a donation to the New Currents
campaign, visit our website at:
http://www. seattleaquarium.org.
Pledge $300 or more and you’ll be entered to win
a fantastic cruise for two, valued at $15,000 and
generously donated by Holland America.
The drawing will take place at the conclusion
of the New Currents campaign.
The Aquarium Society received some wonderful news in
February: the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust awarded a 2:1,
$250,000 grant to the Aquarium. To receive the funds, the
Aquarium must receive $500,000 in donations – a great
motivation for potential donors. Receiving this kind of support
from a large charitable trust also sends an important message
to the community, affirming the Aquarium’s vital role in
providing public education about marine conservation and
protecting Puget Sound.
Corporate Community Supports
Aquarium Campaign
Momentum is growing within the corporate community to
support the Aquarium campaign as it nears completion. Major
corporate supporters to date include:
• Boeing - $1 million
• Microsoft - $300,000
New Currents
Fundraising
• Paccar Foundation - $300,000
• Argosy Cruises - $100,000
• Holland America Line - $100,000
• Washington Mutual - $100,000
• Nordstrom - $60,000
These corporate leaders understand the importance of revitalizing
our waterfront, preserving the Aquarium as a vital educational
asset, and teaching an anticipated 850,000 guests per year about
the challenges facing our marine environment in our fabulously
expanded new facility. Thank you!
ALMOST THERE: WORK CONTINUES
ON THE EXPANDED AQUARIUM
It’s hard to believe that some of the finishing touches are already being made
to the Aquarium’s beautiful new space – but it’s equally hard to believe the
opening celebration is less than two months away! As you may recall, two
highlights of the revitalized Aquarium will be the breathtaking, 120,000-gallon
“Window on Washington Waters” exhibit and the lively 40-foot wave tank.
Here’s an update on the activities since our last issue:
• An internal census was completed to determine
the exact number of each type of animal needed
for the tanks.
• Temporary holding tanks are being plumbed to
hold the creatures until they are released into their
new homes.
• The rock formations are nearly complete – and,
from all reports, they look incredible!
• Life support systems have been installed
• Painting and the placement of artificial plants has
begun, as has hydro testing with fresh water to
ensure all systems are functioning correctly.
• And the next steps? Educating staff and volunteers
so they can share information and insight about
the animals dwelling within the tank, as well as
how they interact.
Q: ASIDE FROM SIZE AND DEPTH,
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
THE TWO TANKS?
A: The key difference is the habitats the
tanks are designed to mimic. The wave tank
represents the intertidal zone – which includes
the shore and water up to a depth of five feet.
Window on Washington Waters (or WOWW,
as it’s affectionately known around the
Aquarium), begins with the intertidal zone and
then plunges to include animals that are found
at depths of up to 60 feet. So, although there
will be some crossover in terms of what kinds
of animals live within each tank, the habitats
they represent are quite different.
WHAT ABOUT THE MAMMALS IN
THE BIG TANK?
Aha! That’s a trick question. A story in our
last issue concerning collection of future
residents for the Aquarium’s new “Window on
Washington Waters” tank sparked numerous
questions from Aquarium guests. First, they
wanted to know which marine mammals
would be dwelling inside the tank. Next, they
were curious about how those mammals
were being collected.
And here is how their curiosity was satisfied:
the big tank will be filled with a wonderfully
diverse array of creatures – but marine
mammals will not be among them. Even if
such creatures were included in the list of tank
residents, they would not be collected from
the wild. All the marine mammals currently
dwelling at the Aquarium – harbor seals,
northern fur seals and northern sea otters
– were either born in captivity or rescued
from the wild, rehabilitated and subsequently
deemed non-releasable.
GENEROUS DONATION TAKES AQUARIUM RESEARCH IN EXCITING NEW DIRECTIONS
Amgen, a biotech company located just down the street from Pier
59, recently became the ultimate good neighbor – by donating
a gene sequencer and ultralow freezer to the Seattle Aquarium.
Total value of the gift? Approximately $140,000.
“The sequencer is 16 times faster than
my old one,” says Aquarium Curator of
Conservation Research, Shawn Larson. “It
allows me to get much more done on my
various genetics projects, such as sea otter
evolution and genetic relationships, sixgill shark
population structure and relatedness, sea horse
conservation genetics and giant Pacific octopus
population genetics.” And the ultralow freezer?
“It keeps our genetics samples and chemicals
at the low temperature they require for longterm storage,” says Shawn.
Thanks so much to Amgen for these incredible
donations – and thank you to Shawn for
putting them to such good and beneficial use!
INVASION OF THE SEA SQUIRTS
What are these blobby things that are now making their homes in the Sound?
You may have read a recent Seattle Times article describing
invasive varieties of tunicates, or sea squirts, and how they
are being seen in ever-increasing numbers below the waters
of Puget Sound. At a mere six inches long, all of it quite soft
and gooey, you wouldn’t think they’d pose much of a threat
… but, in fact, biologists warn the invading sea squirts may
have the potential to cause quite a bit of trouble.
That warning is based on the trouble this fast-spreading
species has already caused elsewhere. Tenacious blobs, sea
squirts have earned an unsavory reputation for smothering
farmed shellfish, displacing native species, and stubbornly
remaining in their slimy places – despite vigorous efforts to
eradicate them. At press time, they’d been spotted at over
20 locations around Puget Sound.
For now, the jury is out on whether the Sound’s fastestgrowing group of new residents will cause much harm.
After all, our region has been home to tunicates for years.
Regardless, biologists claim the mere presence of new,
invasive varieties of tunicates in our local waters is a sign
that the Sound is stressed, making it more vulnerable to
marauders such as these. Efforts are underway to track and/
or remove the new sea squirt populations, and the state
government has stepped in with funding.
What can you do, aside from attacking a colony of sea squirts
with a pair of pliers, as one volunteer diver recently did? Do your
part to take care of the Sound! Pollution-free waters will provide
a healthier environment for our native species, making it more
difficult for invaders to get a toehold. For ideas on how to be a
good Sound citizen, visit http://seattleaquarium.org/conservation
An example of a “good” tunicate
An example of a potentially
troublemaking tunicate
© Jon Gross Photography (www.jongrossphotography.com)
FOCUS ON
NORTHERN FUR SEALS
NORTHERN FUR SEAL FAST
FACTS
Did you know?
• The Seattle Aquarium is one of five
facilities in the United States to host
Part 1 of 2:
northern fur seals – and the only one
Charming, unexpectedly
graceful – and on the
“threatened” list.
• There are currently just 19 northern
on the west coast.
fur seals living in captivity, 4 of which
dwell at the Seattle Aquarium.
• The Seattle Aquarium was the
first facility in the world to have a
northern fur seal conceived and born
in captivity.
• As a member of the Wildlife
Conservation Management
Committee of the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA), the Seattle
Aquarium participates in regional
fur seal management in Zoos and
Aquariums.
What did you think about the northern fur seals the last time
you visited the Seattle Aquarium? Maybe you noticed their size.
It’s not inconsiderable – a mature male can weigh over 600
pounds. Or perhaps you were struck by their big, beautiful eyes,
which help them see at night. Maybe you admired their large,
bare flippers and considered how quickly they must be able to
swim through open water.
One thing you probably didn’t think about: where are the
northern fur seals going? The wild population of these
magnificent animals is dropping by as much as 8% per year.
Sadly, northern fur seals have now taken their place on our
national “threatened” list. Why? That’s the question on many
researchers’ minds, and the answer is slow in coming. With their
wide range and deep-water swimming, northern fur seals can be
difficult to track. But modern tagging and tracking methods are
starting to change that, which may unravel at least part of the
mystery behind the northern fur seal’s decline.
Stay tuned for our second article, where we’ll fill you in on
the Aquarium’s plans to share the latest northern fur seal
information with members and guests.
“THE LARGEST GATHERING OF RESEARCHERS WHO
WORK ON ANY ASPECT OF PUGET SOUND”
REEF SURVEY SLATED
FOR AUGUST
Scientists. First Nations and tribal government representatives. Resource
managers. Community leaders. Policy makers, educators and students. Every
other year, they gather for the Georgia Basin Puget Sound (GBPS) Research
Conference, the premier science gathering focused on the Georgia Basin Puget
Sound region of Canada and the United States.
Each year, the Aquarium’s Shawn Larson
conducts an annual survey of bottomfish
on four reefs in the Strait of Juan de Fuca,
just east of Neah Bay. This summer’s
survey, the third so far, is scheduled
to take place August 19-23. “We use
the data to document trends in fish
abundance,” says Shawn. “It facilitates our
understanding of bottomfish numbers and
diversity in this rich area.”
Their purpose? To share information regarding the condition and management
of the shared GBPS region, and ultimately help forge a path to a healthy Sound.
This year’s event, held in late March in Vancouver, B.C., focused on a sustainable
transboundary region, including United States/Canada ecosystem issues and
the integration of science and decision-making. Topics included fish, mammal
and seabird ecology; seafood safety, clean energy sources, impacts of human
population growth, climate change and environmental education.
CITIZEN SCIENCE SUCCESS STORY
Have you read about the Aquarium’s Citizen Science program in previous issues
of Currents? It works with five area high schools and numerous local partners to
encourage inquiry learning among historically under-represented populations and
monitor shoreline trends on six Seattle beaches and Seahurst Park in Burien.
As reported in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Connect publication in March,
2007: “Hundreds of students have participated in the program over the past three
years. Although many have proven capable and enthusiastic, the model student to
date would have to be 16-year old Elizabeth (Liz) Cady. After participating in the
spring 2006 Citizen Science season, Liz’s passion for science inquiry motivated her
to spend many long hours poring over previous data to make comparisons between
2005 and 2006 at two Seattle beaches.
Liz ultimately produced four beautiful 30” x 40” laminated posters complete with
color photos of sampled animals/algae, comparative graphs/charts and Citizen
Science sampling sessions. Liz’s posters will become a part of the training aids for
teaching future students about independent projects. To top it off, Liz’s presentation
to a neighborhood group near the study sites was used to help her achieve the Girl
Scout Gold Award.
Liz’s story demonstrates that given the opportunity, well-trained and motivated
students can achieve outstanding personal goals while being vital members of the
burgeoning citizen science movement.”
BOWLING FOR ORCAS?
Not quite. For the past 10 years, the Orca Bowl (or Washington
State Ocean Sciences Bowl) has attracted teams of bright,
motivated high school students from across the state to compete
in a round-robin series of challenges, answering rapid-fire questions
about the ocean’s biology, chemistry, geology, physics, history and
economics.
This year’s event, which took place on February 24th, was won by
a team from Vancouver’s ExCEL Academic League homeschoolers.
As statewide champions, they earned the chance to travel to Stony
Brook, New York to compete in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl
competition.
The Orca Bowl is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl
program, presented in cooperation with the University of
Washington’s College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences, with support
from The Seattle Aquarium, Kenmore Air, University Bookstore,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and many other
agencies and businesses. The National Ocean Sciences Bowl
is a program of the Consortium for Oceanographic Research &
Education (CORE), based in Washington, DC.
Thanks to Veronique Robigou, coordinator of the Orca Bowl, for her
assistance with this article.
Images courtesy of Orca Bowl 2007.
Orca Bowl 2007 winning team, ExCEL
Academic League.
Students and coaches relaxing
around pizza at the award
ceremony.
YOU COULD BE AN
ORCA BOWL CONTENDER
Test your knowledge with these sample questions:
1. Tropical fish are sometimes found in New
York bays during the summer. The way
these species get to New York is by way of:
W. Deep undercurrents
X. Upwelling
Y. Kelvin waves
Z. Eddies
2. Highly productive coastal waters will
usually:
W. Have a greenish color
X. Exhibit a well-developed thermocline
Y. Be less turbid than low-production waters
Z. Be warmer than less productive waters
3. Compared to the speed of sound in air, the
speed of sound in seawater is:
W. Faster by about a factor of two
X. Faster by about a factor of five
Y. Slower by about a factor of two
Z. Slower by about a factor of three
4. How many marine sanctuaries are in the
United States?
W. 8
X. 14
Y. 22
Z. 38
5. Corals are most closely related to:
W. Barnacles
X. Sea urchins
Y. Sea anemones
Z. Clams
Answers:
1. Z 2. W 3. X 4. X 5. Y
AQUARIUM-HOSTED SEA OTTER EVENT CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Did you know the Aquarium hosts an international sea otter
conservation workshop every other year? The most recent event,
held March 16-18, attracted delegates from all over the United
States, as well as Canada, Europe, Russia and Taiwan. The 100+
attendees came together to talk, share findings about numerous
aspects of sea otter biology and conservation, and provide
updates about sea otters in their respective regions and/or
facilities. This year’s agenda included sessions on such diverse
subjects as “Improving the Way We Wash Sea Otters,” “Linking
Individual Behavior and Population Health,” and “Respiration
Physiology of Diving Mammals,” to name just a few.
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4. Despite their reputation,
you don’t have to fear an
orca’s _______ ; they are
not known to attack humans
6. Orcas play together often,
and even enjoy their own
version of follow-the-________
7. An orca’s eyes are about the
same size as this black-and-white
farm animal
12. Orcas are heavy — a male can
___________ up to 10 tons
13. Hearing is an orca’s most
important ___________
14. The best place to watch whales is
from this land-based location
16. Loud _________ can make it
harder for orcas to communicate
and find food
18. Part of an orca’s tail; another
word for “lucky break”
20. This pink-fleshed fish is a big part
of an orca's diet
21. Without vocal cords, orcas make
________ mostly in their
blowhole passages
23. Orcas are very smart; their big
_______ weigh up to 20 pounds
:EMD
24. Like a young cow, a baby orca is
called a _____
26. Orcas have up to 52 ____ in their
mouths, with which they chew
200-300 pounds of food each day
27. No two saddle patches are alike;
each one is __________
28. The grey patch behind an orca’s
dorsal fin; also what you sit on to
ride a horse
29. An orca’s back is mostly
__________ ; its stomach is
mostly white
31. Thanks in part to their powerful
tail, orcas can ______ up to 30
miles per hour in short bursts
32. Orcas learn things from one
another and pass the knowledge
along to their young, a sign that
they have their own ________
1. Orcas are also known by this name
2. An extended family of orca
mothers and their offspring
is called a ______ ; also what
peas come in
3. Believed to be the oldest female
in J, K and L pods; another word
for grandmother
5. Dogs wag and orcas swim fast
with these
8. Preserve this resource and
help the orcas by turning off the
______ while brushing your teeth
9. Orcas use these to steer through
the water and divers wear them
on their feet
10. Before her calf is born, an orca
mother is ______ for 16 to 17
months
11. Orcas exhale through their
blowholes; humans exhale
through their mouths or
_________
13. Puget Sound orcas eat mostly
salmon; other orcas prefer this
flippered mammal.
15. An orca’s blubber is held in by its
black and white ______
17. J pod orcas are often seen in the
waters surrounding the ____
________ Islands:
19. An orca baby stays with its
____________ for life; another
word for mom
22. An orca forcefully pushing air
through its nose is called a
blowhole ______
23. An orca’s insulating layer of fat is
called ___________
24. Orcas use these to communicate;
also what you make with a phone
25. If you’re lucky, you might see an
orca’s dorsal ________ above the
surface of Puget Sound
30. Whales in the same pod have a
distinct set of calls, which they
use to _______
Stumped? Visit seattleaquarium.org
to see the solution.
THE GREENING OF THE SEATTLE AQUARIUM
As we anticipate the unveiling of the gorgeous Puget Sound Hall, we want to share the environmentally
friendly features incorporated into our expansion. The Aquarium Society worked closely with architects from
Mithun and engineers from Flack and Kurtz to include many energy, water and material conservation elements
in addition to improved indoor air quality. Building and operational practices that minimize our carbon
footprint and our impact to the health of Puget Sound are fundamental to the Aquarium mission of “inspiring
conservation of our marine environment.”
Energy Conservation
On hot days, high efficient cooling will be provided by a
heat exchanger that uses a steady flow of cool Puget Sound
saltwater from the “Window on Washington Waters” tank
resulting in approximately 25% less energy use than a typical
cooling system. Heating for the new space will be provided
from Seattle Steam, which is currently switching to waste wood
to power its steam plant. This use of locally provided waste
wood will significantly reduce the Aquarium’s dependence on
fossil fuels.
Water Conservation
The Seattle Aquarium café will be operated by Sodexho, which
has an excellent record running conservation-based food
services across the country. Sodexho teamed with Seattle City
Light to equip the café with the most efficient water-saving
appliances possible. In addition, the all-new restrooms are
outfitted with solar-powered automatic faucets and low-flow
toilets/urinals and showerheads.
Materials
The striking ceiling timbers in the Puget Sound Hall match the
old-growth look of the rest of Pier 59 but are in fact made
from a second-growth sustainable Oregon forest. The Puget
Sound Hall stairway steps and rails are milled from salvaged
old-growth wood from the original Pier 59 timbers demolished
in 2006. The decking of the café balcony is made from highly
rot-resistant “tiger wood”, FSC certified as a sustainable forest
product. Finally, the original front façade of the Aquarium was
removed prior to demolition, stored during construction and
reinstalled to maintain the historic integrity of pier sheds in the
late 1800s.
Indoor Air Quality
Most structural materials were left in their natural, unfinished
state to reduce use of paints, finishes and ongoing
maintenance. Where appropriate, low-toxic paints, finishes
and adhesive were used throughout all new spaces. Casework
and doors were made with formaldehyde-free engineering to
eliminate toxic off-gassing to workers and visitors.
Sustainable Seafood
The Aquarium café will serve only Seafood Watch “Best
Choices” or “Good Alternatives” seafood.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: VIVIAN GROSS
With 10 years of Aquarium volunteer experience behind
her, Vivian has plenty of information to share with the
guests who come to see her at the Birds & Mammals,
Invertebrates and Sixgill Shark Research exhibits. A few
highlights of what she had to say about her time with
the Aquarium:
Q: How and why did you start volunteering
at the Aquarium?
A: I retired in 1992 and decided that from then on my life was
going to be as much fun as possible. I found that volunteering
is lots of fun, very rewarding and definitely involves lifelong
learning. One can sample lots of “new careers” and move on
if they don’t fit. The Aquarium just sucked me in. A supervisor
once told me that if a volunteer stays for three years they are
probably hooked. That’s definitely me.
Q: What have you
learned and why is it
important to you?
As an Aquarium volunteer,
I have learned and am
still learning more than I
could have ever imagined.
Interacting with the guests
is so interesting – meeting
people from all over the
world, listening to their
comments and sharing information about the animals at the
Aquarium. I love working with the various animals, learning
about them and understanding them better. Volunteering
in lots of areas keeps me challenged because there’s
always something new to learn. Sometimes I go home very
tired but with a great feeling of personal satisfaction and
accomplishment. I highly recommend volunteering! And did I
mention I have a lot of fun?
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS SPRING & SUMMER PREVIEW 2007
FAMILY FUN
Family First Sundays
Visit the Seattle Aquarium the first Sunday of each month for
special family activities, including a craft project for kids. Craft
activities will take place from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Free with
Aquarium admission, no registration needed. Themes for the
upcoming months are:
May 6: Migratory Bird Day
June 3: Jellyfish – Beautiful Drifters
July 1: Pufferfish
Members Only Overnight
Tuesday, July 3, 8:00pm to 7:30am next morning
Experience the magic of the Aquarium after-hours! Experienced
nocturnal educators will guide you through memorable handson activities, special animal feedings, games, stories and snacks.
Sleep with the fish, and wake up with the otters. A unique & fun
family experience. For members age 6 and up.
Cost: $25 per person.
Call 206.386.4353 to register.
FAMILY HOURS
A three-day series of classes for children accompanied by an
adult. Activities are geared to age and include art projects, songs,
puppetry and live animals.
10am – 11am
Cost: $34 adult/child pair;
Aquarium members: $24 adult/child pair
For more information and to register call 206.386.4353.
Family Hour I (ages under 3)
Session 1: June 25-27
Session 2: August 13-15
Family Hour II (ages 3-4)
Session 1: July 9-11
Session 2: August 6-8
QUICK DIP
One or two session classes for children accompanied by an
adult. Each session teaches about marine animals through
meeting live animals, creative dramatics, art projects, puppetry
and songs.
Call 206.386.4353 to register.
Alki Adventure (ages 5-7)
July 16-17
Day 1: 10am–12pm; Learn about local sealife at the Aquarium
Day 2: 12pm-2pm; Explore one of Seattle’s most interesting
beaches at low tide
Cost: $24 adult/child pair;
Aquarium members: $16 adult/child pair
10
Fish for Early Risers (ages 5-7)
August 21
9am – 10:30am
Learn about Puget Sound fish and meet a SCUBA diver. Make a
paper wolf eel.
Cost: $18 adult/child pair; Aquarium members: $12 adult/child pair
Ocean Birds (ages 5-7)
August 22
10am – 12pm
Learn about ocean birds through experiments, games and
observation of live birds. Make a paper tufted puffin.
Cost: $18 adult/child pair; Aquarium members: $12 adult/child pair
Coral Reef Adventure
Session 1: July 30 (ages 3-4)
Session 2: July 31 (ages 5-7)
10am – 11:30am
Learn about colorful coral reefs and the fish that live there. Make a
paper pufferfish.
Cost: $18 adult/child pair; Aquarium members: $12 adult/child pair
MEET US AT THE BEACH
2007 Summer Beach Naturalists
May 20, 12pm - 4pm
June 2, 11am - 3pm; June 3, 11:30am - 3:30pm
June 15, 10am – 2pm (Lowest tide of the Summer!)
June 16, 11am – 3pm; June 17, 11am – 3pm
June 30, 10am – 2pm; July 1, 10am – 2pm
July 4, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
July 14, 10am – 2pm; July 15, 10am – 2pm
July 28, 9:30am -12:30pm; July 29, 10am – 1pm
Explore the beach at low tide with a Seattle Aquarium Beach
Naturalist. Trained Naturalists will be at seven local beaches on
these dates. Look for signs at the entrance to the beach.
Naturalists are at: South Alki, Golden Gardens, Carkeek Park, Lincoln
Park, Richmond Beach, Des Moines and Seahurst.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Migratory Bird Weekend
May 5 & 6
Celebrate Migratory Bird Weekend and learn more about migratory
birds who visit the Pacific Northwest every spring. Migratory Bird
Weekend includes special talks, demonstrations and craft activities
for kids.
MARINE SUMMER CAMPS
The Seattle Aquarium Marine Summer Camps offers unique full
day programs for campers ages 7 to 15. You’re sure to find the
right camp program to suit your child’s interest in the marine
world.
To register call 206.386.4353, 8am-4pm, M-F.
Camp hours: 9am-4pm
Daily before and after camp care available:
8am – 9am & 4pm - 5pm $12 per hour/camper
Weekly sessions: $305; Aquarium members: $285
This fee includes a camp teeshirt, two snacks per day, all activity
and art supplies, plus field trip costs. Campers must bring
lunches and appropriate clothing.
Sea Scientists (ages 13-15)
July 9-13
Are you interested in marine biology as a career? Want to learn
more about SCUBA diving? Do you love animals? If so, dive
into summer at the Seattle Aquarium! As a marine biologist at
summer camp you’ll have amazing opportunities to research
aquarium animals and their habitats. Your studies here will help
conserve the local marine environment and you will discover
what lies just beneath the surface of Puget Sound.
Junior Marine Biologist (ages 10 to 12)
Session 1: July 23-27
Session 2: August 6-10
Session 3: August 20-24
Ever wonder what lives underwater around Seattle? Through
scientific exploration you’ll unravel the mysteries of your local
watershed - the Puget Sound. Become an expert on the animals
that call these waters home as you conduct salt vs. fresh water
experiments, make animal observations and collect and compare
your data with your fellow scientists. Through field trips, handson activities and exploring the Aquarium, including our newest
exhibit, Window on Washington Waters, you’ll find out what it
takes to be a marine biologist. Each day has different animal
themes and related activities to focus the campers’ learning
experience.
Ocean Explorers (ages 7 to 9)
Session 1: July 16-20
Session 2: July 30-August 3
Session 3: August 13-17
Want to meet furry, feathered, slimy and scaly friends at the
Seattle Aquarium? You’ll get to explore the Aquarium, tour
behind the scenes, and meet Aquarium divers who swim with
sharks. You’ll discover the underwater world of the Northwest
at our new exhibit, Window on Washington Waters. Each day
has different animal themes and related activities to focus the
campers’ learning experience.
“YOUR OCEAN – OUR HOME”
ENTER OUR ART CONTEST – IT’S EIGHT
TIMES THE FUN!
The giant Pacific octopus is the largest species of octopus in
the world. The current status of this magnificent creature is
“presumed stable.” Join us in keeping the Puget Sound clean
and healthy so all sea life living in our local waters thrives for
years to come.
To enter, submit a drawing of a giant Pacific octopus at home
in Puget Sound. The contest is open to kids in grades 1-5, and
first prize is a $2,500 college savings account provided by T.
Rowe Price College Savings Plan, Offered by the Education Trust
of Alaska. Entries must be postmarked by May 4,2007. Details
and entry forms are available at seattleaquarium.org/kids.
AQUARIUM VOLUNTEERS NOMINATE
FAVORITE VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR
Tricia Kokoszka, Volunteer
Programs Coordinator at the
Seattle Aquarium, recently
launched an initiative to
recognize the Aquarium
volunteer supervisor who
makes the biggest difference
in the volunteer experience.
Many nominations were
received, but the descriptions
of educator Janice Mathisen were most compelling. As one
volunteer noted, “Janice has taken great care of us, valued
us, appreciated us and inspired us to keep coming to the
Aquarium.” Another wrote, “She creates a fun environment
where we are always learning, which directly correlates to a
positive experience for Aquarium guests.” And, from another
glowing review: “Janice shares info and insights into what is
going on in and around the Aquarium, Puget Sound and the
world’s oceans. She is constantly teaching volunteers new
things.”
Congratulations, Janice, on being the first recipient of this
quarterly recognition! And thank you so much for the hard
work, commitment and energy you share with the Aquarium
volunteers. Clearly, they appreciate you!
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NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO 2312
SEATTLE, WA
1415 Western Avenue, Suite 505
Seattle, WA 98101-2051
Return Service Requested
AQUARIUM HOURS:
Admission gate is open 9.30 am to 5:00 pm daily,
with exhibits closing at 6:00 pm.
Aquarium information: 206-386-4300
Membership information: 206-838-3900
Celebrate our beautiful new space
during our members only preview!
Get a once-in-a-lifetime early look at the exciting expansion your support helped build:
• A spacious new lobby
• Soaring Puget Sound Hall
• Awe-inspiring, 120,000-gallon “Window on Washington Waters” tank
• Dramatic 40-foot “Crashing Wave” exhibit
Due to the expected high response, we’re instituting an online reservation
system for this event. Invitations will be distributed to members exclusively through
email. If you would like to be on the list to receive an invitation, please go to the following
web page and send us your email address so we can add or confirm your information:
http://www.seattleaquarium.org/inviteme/
This event is reserved for active Seattle Aquarium members only. Due to space
limitations, members may not invite additional, non-member guests. If your
membership expires on or before May 31st please complete and
return your renewal form by May 17th to ensure you receive your
email invite! If you are not a current member, you will not receive
an invitation to the event.
Our expanded space opens to the public on June 22nd
we look forward to seeing you at the Seattle Aquarium!
Respond today to guarantee a reservation!
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