July - September 2011Calendar of Events

July - September 2011Calendar of Events

Weedy Seadragon

Our Mission

Our Animals

Daily Calendar of Events

Special Programs

IMAX Theatre

Whale Watching

Admission & Area Information

Contact Us

What’s Inside

Clown Fish

The mission of the New England Aquarium is to

increase understanding of aquatic life and environments, to

enable people to act to conserve the world of water, and to

provide leadership for the preservation of sustainable use of

aquatic resources.

The mission is fulfilled through exhibits and through education,

conservation and research programs. Exhibits showcase the

diversity, importance, and beauty of aquatic life and habitats,

and highlight aquatic conservation issues of importance.

Programs emphasize species, habitats and issues critical

to New England.

The New England Aquarium serves as a responsive

community resource that attracts and involves the broadest

possible audience; seeks a culturally diverse staff and

governing board that reflect our community; adheres

to the highest standards of animal stewardship; and is

committed to delivering the highest quality visitor experience

in a welcoming and enjoyable manner that evokes wonder,

curiosity, understanding, caring and action.

To Present, Promote and Protect the World of Water

Our Mission

Dive into the world of water without getting wet at the New

England Aquarium. Explore vibrant coral reefs, from the Ba-

hamas and the tropical Pacific to temperate Australia. Intro-

duce yourself to the harbor seals, and don’t forget to say hi

to Myrtle, the green sea turtle!

Our Animals

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A. Giant Pacific Octupus

B. Butterfly Fish

C. Southern Rockhopper Penguin

D. Giant Ocean Tank

E. Sand Tiger Shark

F. Green Sea Turtle

G. Lionfish

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Informative and entertaining live animal presentations happen at the Aquarium every day. During your visit, you can watch fur seals interact playfully with their trainers, turtles eat right from divers’ hands, and penguins eagerly eating delicious treats. Check out some of these most popular daily events!Penguin PresentationsLearn more about everyone’s favorite swimming birds during live presentations in our 150,000 gallon penguin exhibit. Our experts will teach you about each of our three different species of penguins, including where they live in the wild, what they eat and the conservation issues facing these feathered friends.

Harbor Seal Training SessionsCome out to the front plaza to watch our family of fun harbor seals as they interact with our trainers. They can wave, give kisses, greet you with a friendly “hello!” and even get their teeth brushed. See how these animals respond to cues, and learn just how smart they are. Check the daily schedule for presentation times.

Giant Ocean Tank DiversWatch as our divers care for our the Aquarium’s animals and hand-feed more than 130 differ-ent species, including sharks, rays, turtles and hundreds of fish.

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August September

Informative and entertaining live animal presentations happen at the Aquarium every day. During your visit, you can watch fur seals interact playfully with their trainers, turtles eat right from divers’ hands, and penguins eagerly eating delicious treats. Check out some of these most popular daily events!

Live Animal PresentationsLive Animal Presentations bring you face-to-face with some of the most fascinating--and sometimes, frightening--members of the world of water. As our educators teach you about the animal and its behavior, you’ll understand why you have nothing to fear.

Giant Ocean Tank DiversWatch as our divers care for our the Aquarium’s animals and hand-feed more than 130 differ-ent species, including sharks, rays, turtles and hundreds of fish.

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Come Play with the SealsCome play with the Aquarium’s harbor seals! Find out how marine mammal trainers keep these active and intelligent animals entertained, and help them teach the seals new behaviors.This program is not available in July during molting sea-son. It will resume on August 1.

Now you can participate in a play session with these amazing animals. We’ll bring you behind the scenes of the exhibit and you can help us entertain the animals — by tossing them a fish popsicle or giving them a water spray massage. Be sure to bring your camera! Read thetrainers’ blog posts to get more details about what happens with playtime. Check out this video of playtime on the blog as well.

• $35 for members and $45 for non-members• Ages 9 and up• Scheduled every day except Wednesday,

reservations required• Maximum of three participants per program• The program takes place outside. Please wear

clothing appropriate for the weather and footwear for uneven terrain.

• Book by calling Central Reservations at (617) 973-5206 or by visiting the Information Desk.

Aqua Kids Family DayOn Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon the Aquarium offers activities especially for families with young children.

Throughout the morning, you can hear stories, create art projects and see Live Animal Presentations in the Curious George Discovery Corner, located on the first floor of the Aquarium.

Join us for an underwater adventure. Family Days are open to all Aquarium visitors, and no registration is required.Children at the Aqua Kids Family Day looking at the Harbor Seals.

Northern Fur Seal

Trainer for a MorningIf you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to work directly with marine mammals, this is the program for you! The Aquarium’s Trainer for a Morning program offers the opportunity to experience firsthand the daily routine of a marine mammal trainer. Participants shadow members of our staff for two hours of feeding, observations and training sessions.

The training staff also works with other animals in the Aquarium. Depending on the day, you may even have a chance to get close to Myrtle the green sea turtle. You’ll have the chance to:

• Go behind the scenes at our harbor seal and fur seal exhibits.• Observe and/or assist with a training session.• Learn how different training techniques create a successful learning environment.• Discover the individual personalities of our marine mammals.

Program Details• Time: The program runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.• Cost: $150 or $125 for members• Group Size: We do the program for one, two or up to three people.• Age: Open to children 9 and up• Attire: The program takes place outside. Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather and footwear for uneven terrain.• Call Central Reservations (617) 973-5206.

An aquarium trainer and Northern Fur Seals at a seal training session

IMAX Theatre

At the Aquarium’s Simons IMAX Theatre, you won’t just watch a film, you’ll be there, thanks to amazing IMAX 3D technology. It’s 12,000 watts of digital sound and New England’s largest screen. Don’t miss the most cinematic way imaginable to see these beautiful and astounding creatures of the deep.

The giant screen – 65’ high by 85’ wide – is taller than a six story building! The slight curvature of the screen extends to the edge of your peripheral vision. The lamps that project the crystal clear images onto the gigantic screen get as bright and as hot as the surface of the sun! So hot, in fact, that cold water must be pumped into the lamp connectors to keep the machine from melting.

Amazing IMAX films will take you where you’ve only dreamed of going! Join us for incredible journeys to the bottom of the sea, outer space, and almost anywhere in between. Through the magic of IMAX and IMAX 3D, you can visit animals and habitats that are too large, too small or too endangered to exhibit in an Aquarium setting.

You can see an IMAX movie on its own, on a combo ticket when you visit the Aquarium or as part of an IMAX Theatre birthday party package with a participating local restaurant.

Past and current showings include: Sea Rex 3D: Journey to a Prehistoric World, Hubble 3D, Under the Sea 3D, Dolphins and Whales 3D, and Tron: Legacy, An IMAX 3D Experience. To see a complete list of current showings, please visit our website at www.neaq.org and see “Visit Planning.”

Whale WatchingWant to see where we keep the REALLY big animals?

Come aboard the Voyager III for Boston’s best whale watch! Enjoy the view as our high-speed catamaran whisks you to the whale feeding grounds just 30 miles east of Boston.

Our destination is Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. This area is home to several kinds of large whales, including humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, as well as pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales. White-sided dolphins may also put in an appearance.

Whale Sightings Guaranteed! On this fun family voyage, whale sightings are guaranteed! In the rare event we do not see any whales, passengers will receive a complimentary New England Aquarium Whale Watch ticket to use at a future time.

A Great Learning OpportunityIn addition to providing great whale watching, we have naturalists onboard to talk with you about the behavior, conservation status and migration patterns of whales, dolphins and sea birds. You’ll learn how to identify different species, how scientists keep track of individual animals and more.

Above: Breaching North Atlantic Right WhaleBelow: Our boat, the Voyager III

Basic Information

• Reservations are strongly recommended.

• Buy your tickets online or call 617-973-5206.

• Trips run for 3 to 4 hours, so plan accordingly.

• We have full-service snack and concession bars.

• The main deck is handicap-accessible

• The Voyager III leaves from the New England Aquarium dock

• Discounted parking is available at the Boston Harbor Parking

Garage

• Trips run from April to October.

• Check daily trip schedules and/or buy tickets.

Aquarium PricesAdult Aquarium AdmissionChild (3-11) Aquarium AdmissionSenior (60+) Aquarium AdmissionChildren under 3Aquarium Members

$21.95$13.95$19.95

FreeFree

Combo TicketsAdult Aquarium/IMAX ComboChild (3-11) Aquarium/IMAX ComboSenior (60+) Aquarium/IMAX ComboAdult Aquarium/Whale Watch ComboChild (under 11) Aquarium/Whale Watch ComboSenior (60+) Aquarium Whale Watch Combo

$27.95$19.95$25.95$52.95$38.95$47.95

Whale Watch PricesAdult Whale WatchChild (11 and under) Whale WatchAdult Member Whale WatchChild Member Whale Watch

$39.95$31.95$32.95$24.95

IMAX Theatre PricesAdult IMAX TheatreChild (3-11) IMAX TheatreSenior (60+) IMAX TheatreAdult Member IMAX TheatreChild Member IMAX Theatre

$9.95$7.95$7.95$8.95$6.95

Admission & Area Information

Food and GiftsVisitors to the Aquarium have a number of great food choices both in the main building and right nearby. Since the aquarium is located on the Boston waterfront, there are great seafood restaurants nearby, in addition to brick oven pizzerias, snack bars, sandwich shops, and full service restuarants. Food choices located directly on the premises include the Harbor View Cafe and The Reef.

We offer great gifts and souvenirs through our online gift shop and our gift shop in the aquarium lobby. All proceeds from our sales of merchandise go directly to support our education, conservation and research programs.

We carry an assortment of fun and educational products including books, videos, CDs and DVDs, clothes, toys and plush animals. In addition, $10, $25 and $50 gift certificates are available and are good toward Aquarium and IMAX admission, Whale Watch, and meals in the Aquarium’s Harbor View Café.

ParkingThe Aquarium does not own or operate any garages. However, the Boston Harbor Garage is the parking option closest to the Aquarium. Discounted validated rates are available for members, Whale Watch visitors and IMAX patrons. Less expensive parking is available in the area, especially on weeks and holidays.

Parking and taking the T is an inexpensive traveling option as wel. The Aquarium is located on the MBTA Blue line. It’s a cost-effective option and better for the environment!

The Aquarium is located at 1 Central Wharf, near the Marriott Hotel and close to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. For directions to the aquarium by car, please visit our website at www.neaq.org and see “Maps, Directions and Parking” for more information.

Contact Us

Moon Jellies

Bud RisPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Walter J. FlahertyExecutive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer

R. William Burgress Jr.Chair of the Board of Trustees

John DaytonGeneral Curator

William Spitzer, Ph.D.Vice President of Planning, Programs & Events

Jane WolfsonVice President of Marketing and Communications

Gregory Stone, Ph. DVice President of Global Marine Programs

Christopher FernaldDirector of Facilities

Lydia K. BergenDirector of Conservation

Aquarium Hours and General Information617-973-5200

Reservations617-973-5206

Visitor Feedback, Questions or Commentscomments@neaq.org

Membership & Animal Sponsorship617-973-6555members@neaq.org

Education Programskids.ed@neaq.org

Whale Watch617-973-5206

Private Events617-973-5025events@neaq.org

Corporate Relations617-742-6029

Press Inquiries617-973-5213

Volunteering Opportunities617-973-5235vols@neaq.org

Job Opportunitiesjobs@neaq.org

Webmaster webmaster@neaq.org

Mailing Address:The New England AquariumCentral WharfBoston, Massachusetts 02110-3399

Photo CreditsAll photos courtesy of The New England Aquarium, used only for education purposes. This booklet is not meant to replace any existing promotional material.

We look forward to hearing any and all of your questions, comments or concerns about your visit – past, present, or future – to the New England Aquarium.

Myrtle the Green Sea Turtle