SeaWorld San Diego will reopen its Bayside Aquarium on Friday, letting park visitors experience a variety of endangered and vulnerable species up close, it was announced Tuesday.
Formerly known as the Marine Aquarium, the space beneath the park’s Bayside Amphitheater originally opened in 1965. It will feature a collection of freshwater and saltwater species, including the critically endangered axolotl salamander, the camouflaged wobbegong shark, a California two-spot octopus, brown-banded bamboo sharks, coral cat sharks and an assortment of reef fish.
SeaWorld’s California two-spot octopus. Courtesy of SeaWorld.
“This space is about giving guests a closer look at some of the incredible species they may not usually encounter,” said Danielle Castillo, curator of zoological operations at the park. “We are excited to offer a new opportunity to come face-to-face with these unique animals. It’s also a way SeaWorld is continuing to invest in both the park and the animals in our care.”
According to the theme park, many of the animals featured in the remodeled aquarium are facing threats due to habitat loss, climate change and human activity.
“By introducing guests to these species up close, SeaWorld hopes to spark curiosity and inspire action to protect aquatic ecosystems around the world,” SeaWorld said in a statement.
The space will also introduce guests to the Wildlife Confiscation Network, a pilot program from the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. When live wildlife is seized at U.S. ports due to trafficking, the network “ensures that animals receive immediate, expert care.”
SeaWorld San Diego temporarily houses and supports species such as clams, corals and other aquatic animals through this national initiative.