SEA LIFE Aquarium Carlsbad launched Octopus Garden, an interactive exhibit introducing families to the amazing world of cephalopods.
Oh we are no strangers to SEA LIFE Aquarium. A little over a year ago we experienced SEA LIFE for the first time… then bought a membership and basically go all the time. My 3.5-year-old knows the aquarium like the back of his hand; it’s his second home. So when we experienced Octopus Garden for the first time, I was in awe.
Just a short distance from the entrance, you will find the new exhibit which houses a Giant Pacific Octopus, a Common Octopus, a Zebra Octopus, Pharaoh Cuttlefish and Chambered Nautilus all in five separate display tanks.
The second you walk in to Octopus Garden you come face to face with a Giant Pacific Octopus while a version of the famous Beatles’ song plays softly above.
It literally takes your breath away.
Like all the tanks at SEA LIFE Aquarium, the tanks in the Octopus Garden exhibit invite explorers of all ages to get up close and personal. Children are encouraged to go eye to eye with these amazing creatures, engage in the interactive displays and have truly unique experiences.
Just check out my toddler’s reaction to the first time he saw the Giant Pacific Octopus (yes, he says “wow!”)
I also can’t get enough of the adorable little Common Octopus. This little guy is fast, playful and loves to sleep in a mug.. yes, a coffee mug! Watching him eat is fascinating as he pulls the food from a bright orange ball (which you can kinda see behind the mug in this picture):
Next time you’re at SEA LIFE Aquarium, test your knowledge about cephalopods. You might be as surprised as I was (unless you study cephalopods). They really are amazing creatures.
Octopus Facts:
- Conservation Fact: The Giant Pacific Octopus species is protected due to their declining numbers.
- An octopus deposits empty shells in a pile outside of its den which is commonly called an “octopus’ garden”!
- The only hard part of an octopus is its beak. If this can get through a tiny space, the entire animal can!
- Octopuses have well developed brains and are said to be the most intelligent invertebrates in the world!
- An octopus has blue blood, three hearts and can alter the complexion of its skin in the blink of an eye!
- The largest cephalopod in the ocean is longer than a city bus, while the smallest cephalopod could fit on your fingernail!
The Octopus Garden Exhibit features interactive and education for all:
- Hide-and-seek octopus game
- Octopus memory quiz
- Octopus maze activity
- Interactive cephalopod floor projection that reacts when you move over the floor area
Interact with Octopus Garden at SEA LIFE Aquarium:
Octopus Garden Feeding
Where: Octopus Garden
When: Daily at 11:00 a.m.
Length: 10 minutes
Explore the eating habits of cephalopods! Discover the amazing ways that these animals eat and learn why we give some “toys” to play with. Watch our boneless beauties come to life and prove how smart they are while watching one eat!
Octopus Garden Demonstration
Where: Octopus Garden
When: Daily at 2:30 p.m.
Length: 10 minutes
What is a cephalopod? From octopus to cuttlefish and nautilus – you won’t believe some of these remarkable creatures and their almost supernatural abilities including camouflage, ink and jet propulsion! Find out what it’s like to be a cephalopod with interactive activities during this presentation.
I’ve been called “maternal” since the day I could hold a baby doll. I’ve become a pregnancy, baby and parenting resource since having my first child almost 10 years ago. This is my blog and where I share my journey through parenthood with you.
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