Aquarium Employees Maintain Well-being of 6,000 Aquatic Creatures Amid Temporary Shutdown to Public Visits
Birch Aquarium Adapts Amidst Global Pandemic, Continues to Thrive
In the heart of San Diego, the Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego has made headlines for a remarkable achievement. The aquarium has successfully hatched two rare Weedy Seadragons, becoming one of the few institutions in the world to breed this elusive species.
Despite the global pandemic, the aquarium's animal care team has been managing unexpected challenges while prioritizing their safety. The team, divided into two, works in staggered shifts to ensure continuous care for the aquarium's 6,000 fish, invertebrates, and one reef.
The absence of guests has brought about some unexpected benefits. Shy coral reef fish, for instance, are spending less time hiding and more time out in their exhibits. The intelligent and social Giant Pacific Octopus, too, has spent more time in her den. To compensate for the lack of guest engagement, the team provides enrichment activities like puzzle toys.
The Seadragon Breeding Program, Seahorse Propagation Program, and Coral Conservation initiatives all require daily attention and care. The Weedy Seadragon babies, in particular, require multiple feedings per day. New challenges have arisen, such as forecasting and storing additional restaurant-quality seafood from vendors, and finding creative solutions for storing extra frozen seafood.
Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego have stepped up to help, offering freezer space from closed concessions and research laboratories. The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and the California Department of Public Health have also provided additional cooling space for fresh fish used by the Birch Aquarium.
Engagement and viewership numbers on the aquarium's social media platforms are up as people sheltering in place enjoy behind-the-scenes looks at the new daily routine and animal encounters. New content, such as Moon Jelly Moments of Zen, Facebook Live events, coloring pages, and more, is being rapidly created for audiences.
The Birch Aquarium's Education Team is working from home to create online learning programs, activities, and ways to engage learners of all ages. The aquarium will soon launch a new Online Learning resource for teachers and parents.
Jenn Nero Moffatt, the aquarium's senior director of animal care, science, and conservation, emphasizes the importance of continued care for animals despite world issues. Harry Helling, the aquarium's executive director, has expressed appreciation for the aquarium's husbandry team promoting the health and well-being of the animals during the coronavirus health emergency.
Despite being closed to the public, the aquarium's aquatic collection continues their daily lives as if nothing has changed, except for the quiet galleries devoid of guests. The aquarium continues to engage with the community via social media and the live Kelp Cam, which streams the Giant Kelp Forest exhibit 24 hours a day.
The Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego, amidst the challenges, continues to stand as a testament to the resilience of both its team and the aquatic life it cares for. The aquarium asks the community to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
