Time for Discovery: Sea Lions, Turtles and Sharks

Visualize a turtle and you’ll probably imagine a reptile you can hold in one hand. The sea turtles at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, however, are bigger than most of the 4-to-6-year-old children likely to participate in “Totally Turtles” this weekend, the first in the aquarium’s Family Fun Programs for 2001.

On Saturday, kids and their parents or adult chaperons will explore the world of sea turtles during a program that includes a chance to touch a sea turtle, which weighs about 100 pounds.

Also this weekend, visitors can check out the new Discovery Tours, which offer the chance to interact with the husbandry staff and take a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium. Given several times a day on weekends and holidays, the tours are an additional $5 to the regular price of admission.

The new and expanded educational programs are part of the aquarium’s efforts to forge ahead despite financial difficulties caused by lower-than-anticipated attendance, which may be related to the uncertainty surrounding the Queensway Bay redevelopment project. The aquarium, which opened in 1998, anchors the Queensway Bay project on Rainbow Harbor, near the Queen Mary. Although plans for shops, restaurants and other businesses are stalled, it’s business as usual for the aquarium, which is pooling its resources and planning other ways to increase attendance until construction on other attractions is complete.

“Totally Turtles” is the first of a slate of programs for kids and their parents scheduled each weekend. The topics are aimed at different age groups and highlight the “really charismatic” animals, says Dave Bader, the aquarium’s education specialist who leads many classes.

Among the featured creatures are the leafy sea dragons, which resemble sea horses with leaves sprouting from their frames; giant crabs; a giant octopus; and marine mammals such as sea otters and sea lions.

Sharks, of course, are among the most sought-after aquarium residents. On Jan. 13, children ages 7 to 12 can immerse themselves in the world of sharks during the popular “Junior Biologist Program.” The exploration is meant to promote conservation as well as education, chief among the aquarium’s missions, says Amy Coppenger, director of the education department. Another goal is to dispel some of the myths that visitors may have ingested from TV or movies.

“When you see it with your own eyes, it’s a little bit different than the movies,” Coppenger says. “To be able to handle the sharks means to admire them as amazing predators, not just as bloodthirsty animals.”

So not only will the junior biologists get to do hands-on experiments, they’ll also get to touch a shark (presumably after lunch).

“That’s something they probably haven’t done before,” says Bader, who notes that 50% of all sharks are less than 3 feet long. “Sharks aren’t necessarily something you have to be afraid of; it’s a pretty cool animal.”

Also coming up this month is the chance to sleep among the fishes. On Jan. 12-13, the aquarium is hosting a youth group sleepover, for ages 9 to 14. “From Sandy Shores to Sunken Ships” will allow overnight guests to explore the aquarium using a treasure map. Geared to families, birthday parties or youth groups, the night includes a pizza dinner, cereal breakfast and an Aquarium of the Pacific T-shirt.

While all the aquarium programs offer tours, hands-on activities and an opportunity to touch the animals, not all are limited to kids. On Jan. 20, “Muffins to Morays & Sharks” is a two-hour adult program that includes a continental breakfast ($25). There are also evening programs for adults, such as “Appetizers to Abalone,” on Feb. 28.

Once a month, a “Fintastic Fish” workshop--for ages 3 and up, and geared to the whole family--is offered (this month on Jan. 27). The workshops include animal-touching time and activities for all ages for an additional $5.

“It’s one thing to see an animal,” says Coppenger, “but to be able to touch it and smell the saltiness of it makes it even better. And who knows, we may be developing a generation of marine biologists.”

Preregistration is required for most of the educational programs. For a complete program schedule, call the aquarium.

* “Totally Turtles” for ages 4-6, Saturday, 1-2:30 p.m. $25 per child and adult pair, $7 each additional person. “Junior Biologist Program” for ages 7-12, Jan. 13, 2-3:30 p.m. $15. Preregistration required. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Admission: $14.95; seniors, $11.95; ages 3-11, $7.95; 3 and younger, free. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. (562) 951-1630.