Zoo Rating: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography

La Jolla, California, USA

 

 

About the Zoo

 

Birch Aquarium, as explained above, is owned and operated by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, one of the prestige colleges for marine science in the US. The aquarium, while standing as an attraction for the public, it also allows for up-close research on many species of Pacific species and gives extreme experience in the field of animal management.

 

 

1. Species

The Aquarium’s limiting factor in species is its size. As seen by the map above, all species kept are from the Pacific, from a wide variety of environments. While most are typical reef, kelp forest, and other creatures, the high amount of endemic animals makes this collection resemble a miniature Monterey Bay. In addition, very special species including Chambered Nautilus, several species of seahorses and kin, and a coral breeding center.

Score: 7

2. Animal Welfare

Literally in the care of experts, it is obvious that the animals at Birch Aquarium could not get any better care. All of the facility’s animals are vibrantly coloured and well fed. It is obvious that all the animals are well cared for due to their near constant-breeding of wolf eels, seahorses, and other, tough-to-breed species.

Score: 9

3. Construction

Birch Aquarium’s construction is fairly simple, with one half of the facility being devoted to the Hall of Fishes, a winding path that first starts in the cold north Pacific reefs, then moves on to its kelp forests, down to the subtropical reefs of Western Mexico, and finally, the tropical reefs of the south Pacific. Everything from sardines to wolf eels to golden trevally and chambered nautilus can be seen. The other half is filled with a plethora of educational exhibits, the stars of course being seahorses and their kin. More than a dozen are exhibited, and bred, at the facility. Also in this area is a hall devoted to whales, the giants of the ocean. Perhaps the most important exhibition in this area is one for global warming, featuring everything from a comparison between a bleached coral reef and a healthy one, to simple ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Outside exhibitions include ElasmoBeach, for sharks and their relatives, and a touch-tidepool. Despite all of this, the aquarium tour can be completed in forty minutes or even less.

Score: 7

 

4. Accommodations

For its small size, Birch Aquarium has a lot to offer guests. A large giftshop and ample restroom facilities satisfy those needs, while water fountains and a deli satisfy others.

Score: 8

 

5. Education

Literally situated on the grounds of a university, Birch provides students with easy-to-access marine life, for easy studying. Birch Aquarium’s wide variety of exhibitions hold a huge diversity of marine life, meaning everything from a kelp forest to tropical reef. With this, effects of global warming and human intrusion in habitats can be closely monitored and kept track of. Aside from these future scientists, Birch and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography open up the aquarium to K-12 students, allowing them to learn more about the nearby Pacific Ocean. There are even halls devoted to animals that cannot be kept at the aquarium, such as the massive Gray Whale. Overall, Birch, for its size, provides an immense educational opportunity.

Score: 9.5

 

6. Interaction

Birch’s entire existence is bent on interaction between humans and the sea. With such, its exhibitions bring forth a touch pool, several sea-themed playgrounds, and computer screens. Everything from whales to seahorses to global warming are touched on.

Score: 7

Total: 7.9

 

Despite its small stature, Birch Aquarium is superb and clearly well thought out. The Scripps Institute of Oceanography keeps the aquarium in the best possible condition, with the best possible combination of species in each habitat. It’s important to remember that it is small, but being in the San Diego/La Jolla area, there is a lot more to do. Birch Aquarium shouldn’t be missed, and is a true jewel among Pacific Coast aquaria, standing up to giants like Monterey, which it appears to be a dwarf of. A visit to Birch would definitely leave a positive impression on anyone.

 

Zoo Rating: Sealand Aquarium de Noirmoutier

Sealand Aquarium de Noirmoutier

Noirmoutier en l’Ile, France

 

About the zoo

Sealand Aquarium de Noirmoutier is an small aquarium at the coast of France. The 500,000 liter containg aquarium houses 1000 animals, and about 200 species. With just 200 meter of walkway it isn’t all too big.

1.  Species

The aquarium doesn’t have much special species. The most notable species must be the Californian sea lions, which are also appearing in a show. The aquarium does have a rich variety of fish and other marine creatures though, such as turtles and octopusses.

Score: 6.5

2. Animal welfare

Not much to say about. The enclosures are big enough, but other than that there isn’t much to say about the aquarium.

Score: 7

3. Construction

You’re basicly walking through a long pathway that’s got aquariums at the left and right site, with the exception of the Sealion enclosure. Nothing special.

Score: 6

4. Accommodations

There is a small place to get some stuff at the entrance of the aquarium, but other than that there isn’t any. Not needed either, within 1,5 hours you’ve seen the whole aquarium and with only 200 metres of pathway it’s unnecessary to have more facilities.

Score: 6.5

5. Education

With the exception of the general signs in front of each aquarium, there isn’t any education at the aquarium. Even at the Sealion show, where the most talking is about the show itself.

Score: 4.5

6. Interaction

You simply can’t expect much when thinking about interaction with fish. Though, at the show there are possibilities. Sadly, the aquarium doesn’t really involve visitors into the show.

Score: 4.5

Total Score: 5.8

Sealand Aquarium de Noirmoutier isn’t a place that you’ll visit very often. If not a real fish lover, you possibly will only be there once. It’s not bad, and you’ll enjoy yourself for the time you’re there, but after one hour you’ve seen the most and you’ll possibly only remember the sealion show.

Gerben, 05/05/2014

Zoo Rating: Bournemouth Oceanium

Bournemouth Oceanarium

Bournemouth, United Kingdom

 

About the Zoo

The Bournemouth Oceanarium is an aquarium located right next to the pier of Bournemouth, England. The Oceanarium contains over 500,000 liters of water housing over 300 species of animals. Although having a ground and a first floor, it isn’t too big.

1. Species

Since it’s completely an indoors, the Oceanarium doesn’t contain any large species; the largest being their sharks, moray eels and sea turtles. They have some interesting species of certain fish and a wide variety of them, but if you’re not really into fish they probably won’t really interest you. Although to make it some more interesting visitors like this they also house otters and some reptiles.

 Score: 7

2. Animal Welfare

The tanks are of a fine size, not being too large but big enough for the fish it houses. Some artificial coral patches are struggling with brown aquarium algae, but except for displaying the coral colors a bit dull this doesn’t have much influence on the health of the animals.

 Score: 7

3. Construction

The route through the aquarium first leads you upstairs, to the river habitats. With the rivers you will go down to the shore. Then you will go through the reefs leading you to the Abyss, which will bring you to the coast again. It’s not a very long journey but it really has been thought through.

 Score: 7.5

4. Accommodations

Being an indoor aquarium there isn’t much need for much facilities. The entrance contains an medium-sized restaurant and a gift shop; just enough for your visit.

 Score: 6.5

5. Education

At the smaller tanks you will only find signs telling you about the fish species living in it. But having 9 feeding/talk presentations per day you will sure get some information. An employee will tell you everything about their otters, sharks, piranhas, octopus and much more. This of course depends on which feeding presentation you visit. But since they are all at different times you won’t have to miss any of them.

 Score: 8

6. Interaction

You wouldn’t expect much interaction in an aquarium but in this one there certainly is. You can face your fears and hold one of their Royal Pythons or pet one of their other reptiles. If you want something else you can jump into their virtual Dive Cage which gives you a 270-degree continuous view of the ocean. The large touch screens bring you up close with various animals such as a Great White Shark or a Blue Whale. While observing them you can learn anything about their feeding habits and much more. If this all seems too thrilling for you, you can visit their Puffer fish tank and interact with them since these are very curious fish, unlike any other fish you saw before.

 Score:8

Total Score: 7.3

The Bournemouth Aquarium is a place you should really consider visiting when you are in that area. If you’re not a real fish lover you’ll probably only visit once, but if you are you may want to come back when you’re near Bournemouth again. Since it is only an aquarium it will not take much time to visit but you will sure enjoy yourself when you are inside; especially when you visit a presentation.

Kevin, 07/05/14

Zoo Rating: Sea World Orlando

Sea World Orlando

 Orlando, Florida, USA

 

About the zoo

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the three SeaWorld parks. It houses about 530 species and 3000 animals. The park is a zoo and an attraction park combined, something that isn’t uncommon for American parks.

1. Species

The biggest and most popular animals at SeaWorld Orlando are definitly the killer whales. They have more interesting species though. Adding inter alia walrusses, short-finned atlantic pilot whales and belugas to that list and you definitly got an epic species list.

Score: 8.5

2. Animal Welfare

Although not everyone agrees with SeaWorld keeping orcas, the animal welfare is top-notch at Orlando. They have a big care center for wounded animals, and have proven to take care of their animals very well.

Score: 8.5

3. Construction

Outstanding. Just outstanding. SeaWorld Orlando gives you the opportunity to get to their animals real close, by having several underwater viewing areas and other viewing points. Next to that, the whole parks gives you a great subtropical feeling. The enclosure all are big enough for the animals, however you can put some remarks on the orca enclosure.

Score: 8

Accomodations

Having accomodations almost around each corner, you never need to have a long walk before reaching something. The accomodations themselves are big, have enough variation and fit in the park’s atmosphere.

Score: 9

5. Education

Apart from the signs, SeaWorld Orland has it’s own Education Program Center. There are some bigger signs with more information spread through the park aswell.

Score: 7.5

6. Interaction

All 6 shows in SeaWorld Orlando contain interaction with the public. Apart from that, there isn’t much interaction with the animals.

Score: 7.5

Total Score: 8.2

SeaWorld Orlando is a daytrip that fits everyone. If you’re not that much into animals you can visit the attractions and shows, vice versa, or do both. SeaWorld Orlando really leaves and indelible impression, and however it’s quite pricey, it’s worth your money.

Gerben, 08/05/14

Zoo Rating: Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, California, USA

 

About the Zoo

Slightly ironic, the Monterey Bay Aquarium started off as a sardine cannery on the famous “Cannery Row” of Monterey, California. However the 20^th Century saw the collapse of the sardine fishing industry, and in 1973 Monterey’s precursor, the Hovden Cannery, closed down. Eleven years later brought the opening of the aquarium, one of the most charismatic and well known facilities on the Pacific coast of America.

 

1. Species

As it was once a cannery, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s floor space is large, with two separated buildings, connected by a skywalk. The aquarium’s 322,000 square foot (29,914.77888 square metres) grounds are home to mostly native species to the west Pacific, though there are some exotics in the mix, as well. Animal highlights include Southern Sea Otters, Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Mola Mola and many other species of pelagic fish rarely kept in captivity. Monterey also holds precedence of being the only aquarium in the world to have ever kept a Great White Shark for an extended period of time, which was done a total of six times.

Score: 8

2. Animal Welfare

Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to a variety of animals with special needs, from rescued Green Turtles and Southern Sea Otters to Giant Pacific Octopus and Scalloped Hammerheads. With a large variety, comes a wide variety of special needs. Any animal big or small is kept in a specialized habitat, with every need satisfied. Around 2,025 gallons of water are pumped into the aquarium every minute, by day this is filtered for easy public viewing, but by night, it is left unfiltered to sustain filter-feeding animals (especially the aquarium’s sardines and anchovies) and to possibly introduce new animals into the habitats. In this way, the aquarium acts as a man-made extension of the bay. Keepers care about all the animals under their care, and it is clear that they’re there for all of the right reasons.

Score: 8

3. Construction

The aquarium’s entrance is effective taking guests in and letting them into the facility. Two main routes can be taken; through “Ocean’s Edge” or “Outer Bay” – the latter of which is in the aquarium’s second building. The first path takes you in around rocky shores, with sharks, shorebirds, penguins, and more. The highlight of this side is the three story, 328,000 gallon Kelp Forest, which stands as the first and biggest exhibit of its kind. If the other path is taken, then many open ocean species will be encountered. The million-gallon Open Sea tank is where the aquarium’s most famous denizens, its Great Whites, lived alongside Bluefin Tuna and more. Despite having so much, the aquarium is not cramped in any way, and built specifically to handle large crowds of people.

Score: 8

 

4. Accommodations

Near its entrance is where the aquarium’s gift shop can be found, providing all sorts of under-the-sea themed gift specialties. Across the way lies a full-service restaurant which overlooks the bay, providing good views of sea lions, otters, and the occasional gray whale. On the aquarium’s outside decks are telescopes, so that guests can look out onto the bay for wildlife. Restrooms are found throughout the building, so guests are never too far from one. In the “Splash Zone” exhibition, there is a large indoor playground for children and throughout the aquarium are many “fish feedings” where divers interact with a watching crowd as they feed the animals.

Score: 8

5. Education

Monterey’s entire mission is to educate guests on the idea of oceanic conservation, whether that be by cleaning up litter on the beach, or making sure to avoid eating unsustainable fish species. Throughout the aquarium are loyal volunteers and keepers ready to answer any question that guests may have, and each exhibition, every last tank, is carefully and clearly labeled, with factoids on each species. Simply no other aquarium is as devoted to education and conservation not only in its local area, but throughout the planet.

Score: 9.5

6. Interaction

The “Ocean’s Edge” side of the aquarium sports several touch pools, allowing interaction with everything from California Bat Rays to mussels and starfish. Each one of course is manned by several volunteers and keepers, to answer any questions or point out especially important animals. During the “fish feeding” shows, divers interact with an eager audience, asking questions and handing out prizes later on.

Score: 7.5

 

Total Score: 8.2

Monterey is like no other aquarium facility on the planet, saving species from extinction through teaching and example. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation does work throughout the world, working with many species to ensure their continued existence in our ocean, from the tiniest planktonic creature to the massive whales that migrate through Monterey Bay every year. It in a way is a magical location, where guests can experience things that they will never experience. Probably the only thing holding Monterey Bay Aquarium back is its location; it doesn’t allow for the building and exhibition of dolphins, sea lions, and other, larger marine mammals. In the end, this is a small detail, and Monterey is an aquarium that you’ll want to visit over and over and over again.

Andrew, 09/05/2014

Zoo Rating: Blue Planet Aquarium

Blue Planet Aquarium

Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom

About the Zoo

Henk The Blue Planet Aquarium opened its doors in 1998. By then, it was the biggest aquarium in the United Kingdom. The main tnak holds 4 million liters of water and contains a 71 meter long underwater tunnel. The aquarium has more than 100 displays and has one of the biggest shark collections in Europe.

1. Species

The zoo houses one of Europe’s biggest shark collections, has a big diversity of fish and a small amount of other animals. It might not be the most spectacular collection, but the great variety of different fish and the shark collection still makes it a nice species collection.

Score: 7

2. Animal welfare

Most of the tanks are quite big, none of them being too small for the amount of animals in it.

Score: 7

3. Construction

Beautiful. Every area in the aquarium is themed very well and it makes the aquarium a lot more interesting.

Score: 8

4. Accommodations

The aquarium has just one restaurant, while it is quite big. This does mean that if you want to have a drink or a snack, you have to walk a bit.

Score: 6

5. Education

Nothing major, just the standard exhibit signs.

Score: 6

6. Interaction/

The aquarium gives you the opportunity to dive with sharks. This is a special tour though, for which you need to pay seperately. Other than that, the aquarium has a big underwater tunnel, that lets you come real close to the animals.

Score: 6.5

Total Score: 6.8

The Blue Planet Aquarium is one of the more different aquariums, also one where you’ll spend more than 1-1.5 hours. The whole subtropical atmosphere they created makes visitting it much more interesting. Altogether the aquarium definitly makes a nice day trip that you’ll enjoy for sure.

Gerben, 16/05/2014

Zoo Rating: Oregon Coast Aquarium

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Newport, Oregon, USA

 

About the Zoo

Opening up in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium was the product of a dream of many Newport, Oregon business leaders and schoolchildren to build a large aquarium facility on the Oregon Coast. Showcasing mostly animals from the northeast Pacific, the aquarium’s 23 acres (9.3 hectares) are home to around 500 species of animals.

1. Species

Despite not being huge and being isolated along the northern Oregon coast, the Aquarium is home to a few very special species, including some that are rarely kept in captivity. These include Northern sea otters (some of the only in the world), Giant Pacific octopus, spotted ratfish and broadnose sevengill sharks. Past residents of the Aquarium include Stellar’s sea lions, western snowy plowers and even Keiko the Orca, star of the hit film ”Free Willy”.

Score: 7.5

2. Animal welfare

The utmost care is taken of the aquarium’s animals, as with any modern large aquarium. Constant filtration and carefully watched life support systems keep teh Aquarium’s many species of rockfish, eels and other north Pacific fish alive. The larger animals, the seabirds, sea otters and pinnipeds are kept healthy through exercise and nutritional care. Some of the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s animals are rescues, and require special care. That’s no problem for the facility.

Score: 8

3. Construction

Oregon Coast Aquarium’s entrance is a building of about 40,000 square feet. In here is the main entrance, a gift shop, and four exhibition areas: Sandy Shores, Rocky Shores, Coastal Waters and an ever-changing, temporary exhibition gallery. These first galleries showcase a variety of coastal life native to the Oregon coast. After checking out these, visitors can then go outside to the Aquarium’s four acres of outside habitats, featuring sea otters, giant Pacific octopus, seals, sea lions, seabirds and turkey vultures. Once all of these wonderfull creatures are viewed, the final exhibition known as ‘Passages of the Deep’ can be explored. This habitat was the final in-captivity home of Keiko, but now is home to many species in three special habitats: Orford Reef, Halibut Flats and Open Sea. Fifty yards of underwater tunnels take you in and around coastal and pelagic habitats, and finally empty into a large corridor with various sea-based art pieces. Finally, guests can walk a quarter-mile trail around the Aquarium’s grounds to view a natural estuary, where shorebirds and sea life can be watched. In total, Oregon Coast Aquarium gives guests a true view into the world of the North Pacific coast, one that really is not matched by any other facility.

Score: 8.5

4. Accomodations

A restaurant, several restrooms, two gift shops and an event room all appeal to guests’ basic needs. Aside from these essential items, there are also many pieces of sea-themed art throughout the facility, which would appeal to anyone. Throughout the park, especially in the Seabird Aviary and near the seal & sea lion exhibit, there are lots of benches to sit upon and relax, watching the sealife fly or swim by.

Score: 7

5. Education

Not much to say here. As with most aquariums, signage stresses sustainability of certain species, especially rockfish native to the Pacific coast. A certain theme of keeping estuaries clean and healthy is common throughout the park. There are many school-related programs to ensure local kids know what to do keep the Oregon coast pristine.

Score: 7.5

6. Interaction

The first building contains a touch pool, which is home to starfish, sea anemones, and other small, tidepool-living creatures. Other possibilities include the seabird walkthrough aviary, which contains six species: American black oystercatched, commom murre, horned puffin, pigeon guillemot, rhinoceros auklet and tufted puffin. The aviary has very little foliage, but still provides a scenic exhibition to see these species, which otherwise are not always easy to see in the wild. Guests, if they pay a little extra, can actually prepare food for the park’s seabirds, pinnepeds, sea otters and giant Pacific octopus in the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s animal kitchen. Certified scuba divers can actually dive the aquarium, swimming amongst sturgeon, rockfish, skates and sharks in Passages of the Deep. Finally, again, in Passages of the Deep, there are several programs that allow guests to spend the night at the aquarium, sleeping underneath the underwater tunnel and below cruising sealife.

Score: 8

Total Score: 7.7

Often called one of America’s top aquariums, Oregon Coast offers a wonderful place to visit in an already interesting city, and an experience unmatched by any similar-sized facility. Not much could be done to make the aquarium any better than it already is, except perhaps the exhibition of more shorebird species. However, the one-and-a-half to two hours it takes to thoroughly enjoy the facility will not be wasted, and if anyone is ever in the are, they should definitly visit.

Andrew, 16/05/2014