Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is large non-profit aquarium located on a five-acre site on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California —across the water from the Long Beach Convention Center, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary Hotel and Attraction.

The Aquarium features a collection of over 12,500 animals representing over 650 different species. The facility focuses on the Pacific Ocean in three major permanent galleries, sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Popular exhibits at the Aquarium also include the Aquarium's interactive Shark Lagoon (guests can pet sharks and sting rays) and Lorikeet Forest (guests can feed nectar to colorful lorikeet birds). Exhibits at the Aquarium introduce the inhabitants and seascapes of the Pacific, while also focusing on specific conservation messages associated with each region. Exhibits range in size and capacity from about 5,000 to 350,000 gallons.

Activities of the Aquarium of the Pacific employees and volunteers extend far beyond exhibits. The diverse marine science and conservation ventures include: breeding and conservation programs for endangered marine animals and habitats; housing of unreleasable seals, sea lions, and sea otters from local care centers and marine parks; beach and habitat cleanups; a variety of green business practices; and continuing efforts to educate visitors on the importance the ocean, its threats, and conservation, including the hazards of pollution, over-harvesting, and habitat destruction; and global climate change.

The Aquarium sees 1.4 million visitors a year and has a total staff of over 900 people including more than 300 employees and about 650 volunteers.