The Oregon Coast Aquarium will make a splash during Shark Conservation Week on August 10-18.
Programs are designed to teach visitors of all ages about sharks from teeth to tail and the impacts humans have on these marine predators. Activities include opportunities to touch shark skin and teeth, a bat ray dissection and presentations from scientists, authors and artists.
The Aquarium will host National Geographic Kids author, Ruth Musgrave, for a “Sharks: Fact or Fiction” presentation that elaborates on her book Everything Sharks. Musgrave will be available to autograph copies of her book in the Shark Territory Gift Shop following her presentation.
Chris Spaulding, Aquarium Science Program Director at the Oregon Coast Community College, will present “The Flying Great White Sharks of South Africa” which features photos, videos and information about an eight year study that investigated the predatory behavior of the Great White Sharks on Cape fur seals at Seal Island National Reserve in False Bay, South Africa.
Aquarium artist Michael Cole will present a live painting demonstration of a Great White Shark called “The Art of Sharks.” As Cole works, guests will be able to chat with him about everything from the sharks that live off Oregon’s coast to what it is like to work as a wildlife artist and pick up a free signed Sharks of Oregon poster while supplies last.
Visitors that want to try their hand at depicting these predators of Oregon’s waters can attend, “How to Draw Sharks,” taught by local wildlife artist Ron Houchens. This free class is open to visitors of all ages and all supplies are included.
The Aquarium’s SCUBA divers will provide a unique look at Oregon’s sharks from inside the Passages of the Deep Open Sea exhibit. Guests will be able to speak directly with the divers as they swim with over 100 sharks!
The Aquarium Theater will be swimming with shark-related activities for kids ages three to ten every day at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Sharpshooter Photography will offer a special shark-themed commemorative photo when guests purchase a regular portrait package.
These Shark Conservation Week programs are free with the cost of admission or membership. Different events will be held on different days throughout the week. Visitors are encouraged to visit our website at http://aquarium.org/events/1144-shark-conservation-week to learn more.
Visitors can also dive into adventure with shark-themed behind-the-scenes tours, a family sleepover and “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Shark” Kids Day Camp. These three fee-based programs have specific age and mobility requirements. For more information call 541-867-3474 or visit www.aquarium.org.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is dedicated to the highest quality aquatic and marine science programs for recreation and education so that the public better understands, cherishes, and conserves the world’s natural marine and coastal resources. An accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums institution, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. Visit us at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. www.aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium, or Twitter.com/OrCoastAquarium for the latest updates.
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