California’s iconic southern sea otters—and the fact that they’re threatened in the wild—will take center stage Sept. 25 and 26 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s weekend-long event, Otter Days.
Visitors to Otter Days can get some face time with the aquarium’s resident sea otters, play an animal training game, participate in an otter-themed game show, or volunteer to be transformed into a sea otter to learn everything an otter needs to survive in the ocean.
The event will also feature some more grown-up activities, such as sustainable seafood cooking demonstrations and a special behind-the-scenes tour that includes an exclusive visit to the aquarium’s Animal Health Lab, hands-on experience with research and rescue equipment, and an opportunity to see where aquarium staff members care for rescued otters. (These activities are also open to children.)
Visitors can also learn about efforts to save California’s threatened southern sea otter population by talking with staffers from the aquarium’s Sea Otter Research and Conservation program (SORAC) and members of the nonprofit organization, Defenders of Wildlife.
According to a press release from the aquarium, the U.S. Geological Survey reports that there’s been an otter population decrease of 3.6 percent since last year. The overall California sea otter population—about 2,711 animals—is at less than 20 percent of the historical estimate of 16,000 to 20,000 animals.
To make advance reservations for Otter Days, visit montereybayaquarium.org or call 1-866-963–9645. More tour openings might be available the day of the event at the aquarium, for $10 for members and $12 for the public.
Otter Days activities are included with aquarium admission of $29.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors (older than 65) and students (13 to 17 with a school ID), $17.95 for children 3 to 12, and free for kids younger than 3. The aquarium is at 886 Cannery Row in Monterey. Hours for Otter Days are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information and activities, visit defenders.org/seaotter/awareness.
School Scene is compiled by Managing Editor Amy Asman. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Sep 23-30, 2010.