For the first time ever, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is taking guests behind the scenes. New tours kicked-off Nov. 12, and showcase the aquarium’s groundbreaking work breeding and caring for seahorses.
The “Growing Up Seahorse” Behind-the-Scenes Tour immerses guests into the world of Birch Aquarium’s animal care team. Participants are first taken on a guided tour through seahorse exhibits to learn about the diversity and conservation status of these unique fish. They then head behind the scenes to learn the details about how Birch Aquarium’s experts care for and breed seahorses. The tour culminates with a visit to see tiny baby seahorses in the breeding room.
“People often don’t think about what type of food an animal with a mouth smaller than a pin-head needs to eat. Or how to care for a baby the size of a grain of rice,” said Lisa Gilfillan, education specialist and tour leader at Birch Aquarium. “There are so many eye-opening experiences on this tour allowing guests to forge a personal connection with seahorses. We hope these connections inspire guests to take the next step to protect seahorses, their habitats, and our ocean world.”
Birch Aquarium is a leader in the field of seahorse breeding conservation. The aquarium has been breeding seahorses for more than 25 years and has shipped approximately 5,000 seahorses to more than 100 facilities around the world, including South Africa, Guam, China, and many countries in Europe. The Seahorse Breeding Program is part of the aquarium’s dedication to conservation and participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plans (SSPs). The AZA organizes Species Survival Plans with institutions around the country to increase the number of captive seahorses to reduce pressure on wild populations.
“Within our population we currently have Leafy Seadragons, Pot-bellied, Lined, and Spotted Seahorses as well as Bangaii Cardinalfish that are listed within existing SSPs,” said Jennifer Nero Moffatt, the aquarium’s senior director of animal care, science and conservation. “SSP programs are growing every year and increasing in diversity. Supporting breeding programs with our colleagues around the world is critical to the sustainability of our animals and our oceans.”
The Growing Up Seahorse tour runs daily at 10:30 a.m. and advanced registration is recommended. Tickets are $30 per person for aquarium members, and $35 per person plus general admission for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at aquarium.ucsd.edu, by calling 858-534-3474, or in person at the aquarium’s Visitor Services Office. Please read the FAQ for age, mobility, and clothing requirements. Birch Aquarium plans to expand behind-the-scenes opportunities in the future.
