Shark Exhibit Unveiled at the Ocean Institute
Sahm Marine Education Center
April 10, 2021
The new $1 million shark exhibit was finally unveiled to the public on April 10, as the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, CA opened its doors for the first time since March 2020. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences, including the newly renovated Sahm Marine Education Center by Kollin Altomare which features a 4,000-gallon shark touch tank experience with horn sharks and rays, together with a shark nursery, and interactive exhibits and artifacts related to sharks.
“Horn sharks are gateway sharks,” said Wendy Marshall, president of the Ocean Institute. “People can learn about this little friend and realize that not all sharks are predators, but important contributions to the ecosystem.” It’s a resilient shark that lives in the rocks and caves found off Southern California. Resilience is a theme for the Ocean Institute these days.
The Institute's shark education program provides engaging educational experiences that promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles. The new live shark exhibit involved the renovation of an existing 3,000 square-foot waterfront building to feature the California horn shark, one of the only creatures to lay a spiral egg.
The fiberglass tank, sized 10-times larger than the length of the 2-foot horn shark, has rounded ends to give the sharks the opportunity to swim in a natural circular or figure-8 pattern. Salt water was drawn from the harbor and filtered before filling the tank. The tank sits low to the ground, offering a "hands-in" experience for observers/students. The remodel includes a creature food prep kitchen, quarantine room, and upgraded lighting.
“Horn sharks are gateway sharks,” said Wendy Marshall, president of the Ocean Institute. “People can learn about this little friend and realize that not all sharks are predators, but important contributions to the ecosystem.” It’s a resilient shark that lives in the rocks and caves found off Southern California. Resilience is a theme for the Ocean Institute these days.
The Institute's shark education program provides engaging educational experiences that promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles. The new live shark exhibit involved the renovation of an existing 3,000 square-foot waterfront building to feature the California horn shark, one of the only creatures to lay a spiral egg.
The fiberglass tank, sized 10-times larger than the length of the 2-foot horn shark, has rounded ends to give the sharks the opportunity to swim in a natural circular or figure-8 pattern. Salt water was drawn from the harbor and filtered before filling the tank. The tank sits low to the ground, offering a "hands-in" experience for observers/students. The remodel includes a creature food prep kitchen, quarantine room, and upgraded lighting.
Shark Exhibit Unveiled at the Ocean Institute
Sahm Marine Education Center
April 10, 2021
The new $1 million shark exhibit was finally unveiled to the public on April 10, as the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, CA opened its doors for the first time since March 2020. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences, including the newly renovated Sahm Marine Education Center by Kollin Altomare which features a 4,000-gallon shark touch tank experience with horn sharks and rays, together with a shark nursery, and interactive exhibits and artifacts related to sharks.
“Horn sharks are gateway sharks,” said Wendy Marshall, president of the Ocean Institute. “People can learn about this little friend and realize that not all sharks are predators, but important contributions to the ecosystem.” It’s a resilient shark that lives in the rocks and caves found off Southern California. Resilience is a theme for the Ocean Institute these days.
The Institute's shark education program provides engaging educational experiences that promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles. The new live shark exhibit involved the renovation of an existing 3,000 square-foot waterfront building to feature the California horn shark, one of the only creatures to lay a spiral egg.
The fiberglass tank, sized 10-times larger than the length of the 2-foot horn shark, has rounded ends to give the sharks the opportunity to swim in a natural circular or figure-8 pattern. Salt water was drawn from the harbor and filtered before filling the tank. The tank sits low to the ground, offering a "hands-in" experience for observers/students. The remodel includes a creature food prep kitchen, quarantine room, and upgraded lighting.
“Horn sharks are gateway sharks,” said Wendy Marshall, president of the Ocean Institute. “People can learn about this little friend and realize that not all sharks are predators, but important contributions to the ecosystem.” It’s a resilient shark that lives in the rocks and caves found off Southern California. Resilience is a theme for the Ocean Institute these days.
The Institute's shark education program provides engaging educational experiences that promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles. The new live shark exhibit involved the renovation of an existing 3,000 square-foot waterfront building to feature the California horn shark, one of the only creatures to lay a spiral egg.
The fiberglass tank, sized 10-times larger than the length of the 2-foot horn shark, has rounded ends to give the sharks the opportunity to swim in a natural circular or figure-8 pattern. Salt water was drawn from the harbor and filtered before filling the tank. The tank sits low to the ground, offering a "hands-in" experience for observers/students. The remodel includes a creature food prep kitchen, quarantine room, and upgraded lighting.