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.
