The Aquarium of the Pacific had a very busy and exciting 2014, with many special guests and exciting events. Check out our list of the Top 10 Aquarium Happenings in 2014:
10. Jason deCaires Taylor showed us how art and conservation can work together.
Taylor’s underwater sculpture gardens meld art and conservation. While the sculptures create habitat for marine life as artificial reefs, they also attract tourists to snorkel and dive in designated areas, protecting fragile coral reefs. Aquarium Trustee Michelle Molina presented Taylor with the Aquarium’s Award of Excellence on the night he presented his lecture about his work.
9. Jack Dangermond and Jim Fowler were honored at the Blue Whale Gala.
Jack Dangermond, president of GIS services and software firm Esri, and Jim Fowler, host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, received the Aquarium’s Ocean Conservation Award at the annual Blue Whale Gala in June in recognition of their efforts on behalf of the ocean and environment. They are pictured above with Aquarium President and CEO Jerry Schubel and Aquarium Board Chairman John Molina.
8. Russ Parsons launched a series of talks called The Future of Food.
Los Angeles Times Food Editor Russ Parsons held the first talk in the ongoing series The Future of Food with Paul Greenberg, an expert on American seafood.
7. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and Representative Alan Lowenthal addressed California’s water crisis.
Garcia and Lowenthal attended a press conference held during a forum the Aquarium convened on California’s water crisis. Garcia announced new water conservation measures and Lowenthal affirmed the state’s commitment to addressing the ongoing drought. Photo by Sean Belk, Signal Hill Tribune.
6. Dr. Lucy Jones spoke about earthquake safety and tsunami preparedness.
Jones presented a keynote address during a presentation of recent findings about earthquake safety and tsunami preparedness held at the Aquarium.
5. Wyland painted an ocean mural with kids.
Renowned artist Wyland kicked off his annual ocean art contest by painting an ocean-themed mural with kids at the Aquarium.
4. …and Sylvia Earle was there, too!
Her Deepness, Sylvia Earle, attended to help inspire children to protect and explore the ocean.
3. Grammy-nominated singer Meghan Trainor recorded a music video here and met a penguin!
Between takes, Trainor spent some time meeting Paddles the Magellanic Penguin. She performed her hit song Lips Are Movin’ for Vevo Go Show.
2. Tom McGrath and the gang from Penguins of Madagascar, were here to name one of our penguins Skipper.
The movie, which opened in November, featured the antics of Skipper and his buddies. We were delighted to name one of our Magellanic Penguins after him.
1. You, our dedicated members and visitors, came and enjoyed the Aquarium with friends and family, and were inspired to become ocean stewards. Thanks for a great 2014, and best “fishes” for an incredible 2015!
