SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium Invaded by Clawed Creatures

CARLSBAD, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2011) – Coming this spring, crustaceans will scuttle to SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium at the LEGOLAND® California Resort with the opening of its newest interactive exhibit, “Claws”. The five new displays include Japanese spider crabs, which can grow to 13-feet across, and coconut crabs, named for their ability to crack open coconuts with the power of their claws.

For the first time, SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium allows guests to see the extraordinary weapons and defenses of these fascinating clawed creatures. Along with the gigantic Japanese spider crabs and coconut crabs, the exhibit features land crabs, lobsters and nephrops, commonly referred to as “prawns”. Claws also includes an interactive floor projection that reacts when kids move over it; a touch display allowing guests to feel the shell textures of different crabs; plus a new daily educational presentation and feed.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to showcase these mysterious animals to our guests,” said Bob Burhans, Curator of SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium. “Claws will not only amaze visitors with its remarkable creatures and beautifully designed displays, it also will make learning fun.”

More than a standard Aquarium, SEA LIFE provides an educational and interactive dynamic unlike any other. The SEA LIFE experience incorporates LEGO® models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean, presenting the wonders of the underwater world to them in a way specially designed for their understanding. Featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, SEA LIFE is designed to be a child’s guide to the life of the sea.

SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium Celebrates Underwater Parks Day

On January 15, young ocean enthusiasts at SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium will learn about Marine Protected Areas or “Underwater Parks” during the Aquarium’s third annual Underwater Parks Day. Underwater Parks Day is an effort by Southern California aquariums to explain the need for Marine Protected Areas that replenish fish populations and restore the health of coastal waters.  SEA LIFE will host fun, kid-friendly activities including a habitat build, a Happy Habitat Mural and a Conservation Expo with hands-on exhibits. Kids 3–12 $13, Seniors 60+ $17; Adults $20. Parking $5. Visit www.sealifeus.com or call (760) 918-5346.

75 Words
On January 15, guests at SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium will learn about Marine Protected Areas during Underwater Parks Day. Underwater Parks Day is an effort by Southern California aquariums to explain the need for these areas which are a critical tool to the health of coastal waters. SEA LIFE will host fun, kid-friendly activities and a Conservation Expo during the event. Kids 3–12 $13, Seniors 60+ $17; Adults $20. Parking $5. Visit www.sealifeus.com or call (760) 918-5346.

50 Words
On January 15, guests at SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium will learn about Marine Protected Areas during Underwater Parks Day. SEA LIFE will host fun, kid-friendly activities and a Conservation Expo during the event. Kids 3–12 $13, Seniors 60+ $17; Adults $20. Parking $5. Visit www.sealifeus.com or call (760) 918-5346.

Spring Break is Hammer Time at SEA LIFE™ Aquarium

Aquarium Becomes First in So Cal to Feature Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, Opens two new Shark Shows

CARLSBAD, Calif. (March 29, 2010) – A 3 1/2-foot long scalloped hammerhead pup joins the more than 50 sharks at SEA LIFE™ Aquarium making it the only Aquarium in southern California to have one on display. The Aquarium, located next to LEGOLAND® California also added two new shark-themed shows – “Shark Talk” and “The Shark and Ray Adventure” adding to the Aquarium’s interactive guest experience.

“We are all very excited to have this very unique species in our collection,” said Bob Burhans, Displays Curator for SEA LIFE Aquarium. “I have no doubt this shark will quickly become a visitor favorite.”

The hammerhead is a young male or “pup” and has the potential to grow up to 12 feet long. The name scalloped hammerhead comes from his most distinguishing feature – a scalloped ridge on the front of its broadly arched or hammer-shaped head.

“Our guests are really going to enjoy these new shows,” said Shawn Greiner, Entertainment Supervisor for LEGOLAND California Resort. “I am especially proud of ‘Shark Talk’ – we have had an absolute blast creating these new characters and I know our young guests will have fun interacting with them.”

The two new shows are running daily in the Aquarium. “Shark Talk” is a hilarious and interactive multimedia puppet talk show where guests are part of a live studio audience for a faux late night TV talk show hosted by Jay Octo and featuring movie star Hammie the Hammerhead. In “The Shark and Ray Adventure” young guests see if they have what it takes to become marine biologists studying the sharks and rays of the Ray Lagoon.

SEA LIFE features more than 50 sharks from 14 different species including zebra sharks, black tips, white tips, grey reef sharks, white spotted bamboo sharks and Port Jackson sharks.

In April, the Aquarium is launching a third show, “The Daily Dive,” an interactive underwater dive show. For more information and a show schedule, visit http://www.sealifeus.com/.