There’s something in the water at Birch Aquarium: It’s “Shark Summer,” the aquarium’s annual celebration of the important ecological role that hundreds of species of sharks, rays and skates worldwide play.
The month-long event begins Wednesday and runs through Aug. 2, featuring shark exploration stations, shark feedings, themed dive presentations, Sharks and Rays 101 talks and more.
On July 9, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego will host “Oceans at Night: Sharks.” Guests 21-and-older can dive into a world of all things shark-related with live entertainment, interactive games, a Kelp Forest Dive presentation and shark experts from Scripps Oceanography.
The event centers around the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Shark and Ray Awareness Day and spotlights the Birch’s partnership with AZA SAFE Shark and Ray. The SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) Shark and Ray program is a collaborative effort by more than 60 organizations nationwide to work together to save the more than 1,200 species of sharks and rays worldwide from extinction through evidence-based education and communication, a statement from the aquarium read.
“Birch Aquarium is teaming up with the AZA SAFE Shark and Ray program to make a positive impact on shark and ray conservation,” said Aquarist Brent Fish. “We’re highlighting this unique and diverse group of animals to raise awareness of how important they are and the threats they face.”
During “Shark Summer,” proceeds collected in the donation box in the aquarium’s Galleria benefit the AZA SAFE Sharks and Rays.
All activities except “Oceans at Night: Sharks” are included with the cost of general admission. The aquarium opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing hours varying by day.
Visit the Birch Aquarium website for more details.