Living Coast Discovery Center to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Seasonal Exhibit “SEA the Change” o
CHULA VISTA, CALIF. – The Living Coast Discovery Center will celebrate the opening of its new seasonal exhibit, SEA the Change, on Saturday, March 23. The special exhibit, which includes new animal ambassadors, interactive displays and nature-influenced art, will run through the spring and summer months at the zoo/aquarium on San Diego Bay in Chula Vista.
In keeping with the Living Coast’s mission, the exhibit plays on Mahatma Gandhi’s inspirational message of “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
SEA the Change shines a light on critical environmental issues such as habitat destruction, ocean pollution, coral bleaching, climate change and more. Through up-close animal encounters and hands-on, interactive features, guests will be able to literally see the changes native species are experiencing and learn how humans can help. SEA the Change aims to inspire new ideas for making a difference in our own communities with small changes that can have a lasting, positive impact on the planet.
SEA the Change will feature a number of new animal ambassadors, including an opossum, green tree boa, dart frogs, panther chameleon, legless lizard and western pond turtle. They join dozens of the Living Coast’s year-round animal favorites, including endangered eastern Pacific green sea turtles and various species of sharks, rays, snakes, owls, hawks, eagles and more.
The public grand opening will be held on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including visits with new animal ambassadors, guided trail walks, recycled art projects, and more. Living Coast members and members of the news media are invited to an exclusive preview event on Friday, March 22 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“SEA the Change really embodies the mission of the Living Coast – to inspire care and exploration of the living earth by connecting people with coastal animals, plants and habitats,” said Executive Director Ben Vallejos. “The exhibit is visual, tactile, and touches both your heart and head. You look at these
incredible animals and see the challenges they face and think ‘I want to protect them.’ That personal connection is key to inspiring meaningful positive change for future generations.”
SEA the Change runs through Labor Day and is included with regular admission to the Living Coast Discovery Center. New wildlife day camps for kids and teens have also been created for the Living Coast’s spring and summer sessions that further explore the SEA the Change exhibit.
“We are so excited to share SEA the Change with our guests,” said Elizabeth Argyle, Director of Education and Guest Experience. “There is something for everyone, from all the new animals to the artwork from local artists that we have incorporated into the exhibit. It all comes together to tell a powerful and important story. We hope everyone will leave inspired to be the change they wish to see in their homes, neighborhood, and the world at large.”
About Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center, a 501(c)3 educational zoo and aquarium located within the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Sweetwater Marsh, began operating as a non-profit in 2010 after assuming operations of the Chula Vista Nature Center. The Living Coast Discovery Center offers hands-on exhibits and up-close encounters with plant and animal species native to Southern California coastal habitats, including endangered sea turtles, sting rays, leopard sharks, jellies, shorebirds, reptiles and a large collection of raptors such as hawks, falcons, owls, American bald eagle, golden eagle, and more. More information about the Living Coast Discovery Center is available at www.thelivingcoast.org or (619) 409-5900.
