Oregon Coast Aquarium
Oregon
The Oregon Coast Aquarium, located in Newport, Oregon, is a renowned marine museum opened in 1992 on 23 acres along Yaquina Bay near the Pacific Ocean. It specializes in showcasing the flora and fauna native to the Oregon Coast, featuring immersive exhibits like the walk-through acrylic tunnels of "Passages of the Deep," where visitors can observe sharks, rays, and rockfish in a naturalistic environment. The aquarium gained international fame as the home of Keiko, the orca star of the movie "Free Willy," from 1996 to 1998. Its exhibits include permanent displays such as Sandy Coast, Rocky Coast, Connected Coast, and a Jelly Gallery, as well as interactive tidepool areas where visitors can touch sea stars and anemones. The Seabird Aviary features native sea and shore birds including tufted puffins and rhinoceros auklets. The aquarium also offers a Nature Play Area for children and an outdoor amphitheater for educational presentations. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the facility is recognized as a world-class aquarium and a top North American attraction by major publications. Its design integrates coastal ecology and educates visitors on the journey of a raindrop from the Oregon Coast Range to the Pacific Ocean.
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Consejo: The best time to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium is during weekdays in spring and fall to avoid crowds and enjoy mild weather. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to ensure entry and access to special exhibits. The aquarium offers discounts for seniors, students, and children, as well as membership options for frequent visitors. Plan to arrive early to attend educational talks and animal demonstrations in the outdoor amphitheater. Comfortable walking shoes are advised due to outdoor exhibits and the size of the facility.
Datos interesantes
- •Keiko, the orca star of the movie "Free Willy," lived at the aquarium from 1996 to 1998.
- •The aquarium sits on 23 acres of land along Yaquina Bay near the Pacific Ocean.
- •It features a walk-through acrylic tunnel exhibit called "Passages of the Deep," housing sharks, rays, and rockfish.
- •The aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, reflecting high standards in animal care and education.
- •Temporary exhibits have included unique creatures like the green-blooded cuttlefish and jet-powered chambered nautilus.
Historia
The Oregon Coast Aquarium was conceived in the early 1980s by Newport business leaders aiming to boost the local economy.
After fundraising efforts that raised over $11 million by 1991, construction began in 1990 on a 40,000-square-foot facility and outdoor exhibits.
The aquarium officially opened on May 23, 1992, with notable guests including Oregon's governor and senators.
In 1996, it became the temporary home of Keiko the orca, who was later relocated to Iceland in 1998 for rehabilitation efforts.
Since opening, the aquarium has expanded exhibits and educational programs, growing to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Guía del lugar
Passages of the Deep1992
This is the aquarium's largest exhibit, featuring walk-through acrylic tunnels surrounded by deep-water marine animals such as sharks, rays, and rockfish. It is divided into three sections: Orford Reef with rockfish and Pacific Northwest fish, Halibut Flats with halibut and a mock sunken ship, and Open Sea showcasing various shark species and other fish.
Seabird Aviary1992
A large outdoor aviary exhibiting sea and shore birds native to the Oregon Coast, including tufted puffins, common murres, rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, and black oystercatchers. The aviary features two large pools and rocky cliffs to simulate natural habitats.
Nature Play AreaRecent renovation
An interactive outdoor exhibit designed for children, featuring models of logs reflecting the region's timber history, a replica eagle's nest, and a slide shaped like a river chute to engage young visitors with nature and local ecology.
Outdoor AmphitheaterRecent renovation
An outdoor presentation space hosting educational talks by experts and animal demonstrations by caretakers, enhancing visitor engagement and learning opportunities.
Contacto
Teléfono: (541) 867-3474