Open House October to Spotlight New Animal Residents at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Visitors will be treated to behind the scene glimpses of exhibits with new animals

Photo: Oregon Coast Aquarium - Maya the sea lion www.aquarium.org

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - The Oregon Coast Aquarium is inviting visitors behind the scenes throughout the month of October during special interpretive glimpses of daily featured exhibits. "Open House October" will offer visitors a chance to see how Aquarium animals are cared for, how the life support systems work and areas normally off limits to the public.

"The Aquarium has acquired three new animals recently and one more is arriving soon," said Cindy Hanson, Aquarium Public Relations Manager. "We'd like to take this opportunity to spotlight a different animal each week and let everyone know about our new residents." Areas open to public view will be listed on a schedule at the Visitor Services area near the Aquarium lobby. All activities are included with regular Aquarium admission.

New arrivals at the Aquarium include Maya, the sea lion, Taz, the harbor seal and two recently hatched tufted puffin chicks. Another animal, to be announced soon, will arrive via Coast Guard C-130 transport sometime in the coming weeks.

"Open House October" will offer visitors a chance to see the new animals and learn about how they came to live at the Aquarium, why they are here and how they are acclimating to their new home. This week the spotlight has been on sea otters during Sea Otter Awareness Week, September 27 - October 3, a series of activities that demonstrate the important role that sea otters play in the marine ecosystem. Activities include a glimpse of the sea otters holding pond behind the scenes, talks about sea otters, sea otter crafts and information about sea otters’ natural history and adaptations. Public sea otter feedings are held at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm daily.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a private, not-for-profit aquatic and marine science educational facility offering a fun and interesting way to learn about Oregon's unique coastal ecosystem. The Aquarium is dedicated to teaching marine wildlife and ocean conservation through responsible management and exhibition of marine life. For more information, visit the Aquarium's Web site at www.aquarium.org or call (541) 867-FISH