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Big changes are underway at the Oregon Coast Aquarium with the 'last call' announced for "Jellies: Jewels of the Sea", one of the largest exhibits of jellyfish ever seen in North America. Come to the Aquarium and observe jellyfish from around the world-free-floating denizens of the deep showcased in dramatic displays where they appear suspended in water. It's your last chance to see all the jellies in one place. Also on exhibit for a 'last call' are the dramatic glass art jellies by Chris Hawthorne, available for purchase to benefit Oregon Coast Aquarium programs.
NEWPORT, Ore--Big changes are underway at the Oregon Coast Aquarium as the two-year run for the popular "Jellies: Jewels of the Sea", one of the largest exhibits of jellyfish ever seen in North America, comes to an end. It will be the last chance to see all the jellyfish in one place as the current display makes way for the upcoming "Enchanted Seas" exhibit.
At "Jellies: Jewels of the Sea", visitors are able to closely observe a wide variety of jellyfish-free-floating denizens of the deep showcased in dramatic displays where they appear suspended in water. Jellyfish range in size from fingernail-sized animals to creatures that can grow longer than a blue whale. Their habitat is usually coastal waters, but they also live in the open ocean and freshwater ponds and streams.
It's an excellent opportunity to see that egg-yolk jellies really look like egg yolks floating in the water and find out why upside-down jellies are appropriately named. The small sea gooseberries represent one of the smaller-sized jellyfish, while the basket-ball-size moon jellies provide a much larger scale of free-floating jellyfish on display. Other "Jewels of the Sea" species include the purple-striped jelly, the Atlantic and Pacific sea nettles, the elegant jelly, the cannonball jelly and the umbrella jelly.
Jellyfish first appeared on earth some 650 million years ago and can be found in all the world's oceans, from the Arctic to the equator to the Antarctic. They take the shape of the colonial Portuguese man-of-war to the more familiar umbrella-shaped medusa. Some jellies drift dispersed, while others form aggregations called 'smacks' and are measured in acres or miles.
This will also be the last chance to experience the exquisite hand-blown glassworks by renowned Oregon artist Chris Hawthorne, inspired by jellyfish in the open sea. Hawthorne's dramatic glass jellyfish are over six feet in length with intricate detail that convey the luminescent colors, symmetry and graceful movement of these magnificent creatures. The stunning glass jellies are available for purchase, with a 15 percent tax-deductible donation from each sale helping to fund the Aquarium's programs and future exhibits. For details, contact the Aquarium development department at 541-867-3474, ext. 5228.
The "Enchanted Seas" exhibit that replaces "Jewels of the Sea" will include a variety of jellyfish species in seasonal rotation, while the permanent exhibit of moon jellies and Pacific sea nettles in the Aquarium's Coastal Waters Gallery will remain. The changing exhibit area will be transformed with new displays, tanks and life support systems for "Enchanted Seas", which will feature seahorses, cuttlefish, sea dragons, tropical reef fishes and other magical marine creatures opening Memorial Day weekend.
"Jellies: Jewels of the Sea" has been made possible through two generous grants from the Ben E. Cheney Foundation and Jeld-Wen Foundation as well as sponsorship support from ColorGraphics, Inn at Yaquina Bay, KPTV Oregon's 12, KSHL 97.5 FM, KSND 95.1 FM, Portland Parent, Safeway, TLC Federal Credit Union and Westin Salishan.
Located just south of Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is rated one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation by Parade magazine. Immerse yourself in Passages of the Deep and walk beneath the waves through a 200-foot clear underwater tunnel that snakes through three ocean habitats. Encounter sharks, rays and thousands of other fish swimming around you, while you solve "The Great White Mystery: What Happened to Surfer Bob?" Experience an exhilarating sensation when you look around and realize you're completely surrounded!
Outdoors, rugged cliffs, caves and pools showcase the many fascinating fish and invertebrates of Oregon's coastal shores. Discover curious seals, sea lions and sea otters. A giant Pacific octopus lurks in an undersea coastal cave, and cartoonlike tufted puffins and other seabirds make their homes in one of the largest walk-through aviaries in North America.
Oregon Coast Aquarium admission is $10.25 for adults, $9.25 for seniors (65+), and $6.25 for children (4-13), children three and under are free. Advance tickets can be purchased on-line at www.aquarium.org. Group rates are available when arranged in advance. The Aquarium is open every day except December 25. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Memorial Day weekend.
For additional information about the Oregon Coast Aquarium, surf www.aquarium.org or call 541-867-FISH.
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