BNJacksonGA

Guests are invited to join the Georgia Aquarium in celebrating Sea Otter Awareness Week Sept. 25 – Oct. 3. The Aquarium, along with sea otters Oz and Gracie, will educate visitors regarding conservation efforts and information about sea otters through exciting activities planned for all ages.

To bring further awareness to the sea otter species, the Georgia Aquarium worked with Governor Sonny Perdue to proclaim September 26 – October 2 of every year to be known as Sea Otter Awareness Week in the state of Georgia. This recognition supports the Aquarium’s efforts to raise awareness of endangered and threatened species, like sea otters, sea turtles and whales. These engaging and charismatic sea otters are an ideal animal to introduce the public to the importance of support for the conservation of natural marine systems now.

The week creates an atmosphere for guests to become more engaged with the Georgia Aquarium’s preservation efforts surrounding this keystone species. Activities for the week include opportunities to view sea otter training sessions, engaging storytelling, hands-on activities and question/answer sessions with animal interpreters.

Throughout the week, Oz and Gracie will be profiled, highlighting their unique personalities and journey to the Aquarium. Guests will learn about the Aquarium’s rehabilitation efforts and 4R Program that is designed to positively impact the health and well-being of aquatic life from around the world.

With the grand reopening of Georgia-Pacific’s Cold Water Quest Gallery earlier this year, the Aquarium has created a more inviting and unique perspective into the sea otter’s world. With the expanded deck space, guests will have the opportunity to observe sea otter training sessions and enrichment activities including an added feature to the habitat, our underwater feeders. New windows will also offer our guests a view into the behind the scenes operations and how we care for these animals on a day to day basis.

Other Information:

About Sea Otters: As a keystone species, sea otters play an integral role in the ecosystem and health of our oceans. They help maintain the balance among thousands of kelp forest inhabitants. Sea otters also act as an indicator species, meaning that their high rates of disease may be a warning for both marine ecosystems and human health. In order to help the plight of the sea otter, public awareness and education is imperative. Currently, they are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and are protected by the Endangered Species Act and The Marine Mammal Protection Act. By becoming an advocate for sea otters and other aquatic life, individuals can make a difference by protecting and saving the marine environment that sea otters call home.

About the Georgia Aquarium: The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of water and more aquatic life than any other aquarium. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards, offering engaging and exciting guest experiences and promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. For additional information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.

For additional information on Sea Otter Awareness Week please visit the Aquarium’s website or call 404-581-4000.

Tags: Atlanta, Cold Water Quest Gallery, Endangered Species Act, Fulton County, Georgia, Georgia Aquarium, Georgia-Pacific, Gracie, IUCN Red List, Oz, Sea Otter Awareness Week, Sonny Perdue, The Marine Mammal Protection Act