DYK_AquariumAfter you’re done attending all of your Annual Congress-exclusive workshops and networking in the Expo this week, take a tour of Long Beach’s popular Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way).

Home to more than 11,000 animals representing more than 500 different species, the Aquarium of the Pacific lets you explore various habitats of the world’s largest ocean. Visitors can explore more than 50 different exhibits, many of them as interactive as they are educational. Touch more than 150 sharks in Shark Lagoon, pet a sea jelly, or feed colorful birds in Lorikeet Forest. Reserve a time to check out penguins, sea lions, and sea otters that you can touch and see up close. The aquarium also offers many other events and encounters for animal lovers, including whale-watching and dolphin voyages, Long Beach/Los Angeles harbor tours, and Dive Immersion – a guided dive in the aquarium’s largest exhibit and behind-the-scenes tour.

Weather permitting, free after-hours Shark Lagoon (Friday) Nights allow visitors to get up close and personal with the ocean’s ultimate predators (Friday, May 17, 2019, 6-9 p.m.; no RSVP required; can be cancelled for inclement weather). Touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks, such as sand tigers, and rays. Coffee, hot cocoa, beer, wine, desserts, and snacks will be available for purchase.

Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific for more information.