Tuesday, May 13 2014
Endangered Species Day at the Aquarium – Friday, May 16th, 2014
Polar bears aren’t the only species in peril
Sidney, BC – The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is recognizing Endangered Species Day on Friday, May 16th by
offering an assortment of special activities highlighting local marine animals at risk.
Endangered species are not just found in places like Antarctica or Africa, the Salish Sea has its fair share of
declining animal populations as well. “When people hear ‘endangered’, they usually think of polar bears or
tigers,” says Visitor Experience Director, Tina Kelly, “when in actuality, we have many species at risk right
here in the Salish Sea, including keystone species like Pacific Salmon, which are an extremely important
member of the Salish Sea food web.”
Visitors to the aquarium on Friday will be invited to make crafts, play games, and enjoy presentations, all to
help identify the threats facing endangered species in our ocean and about the steps people can take to help
protect them. Topics will include resident killer whales, the lifecycle of pacific salmon, how abalone became
endangered, the effects of rockfish bycatch, and more. “Our aim is to draw attention to the local creatures in
our local waters that are at risk,” says Kelly. “People may be surprised at how quickly some of these species
could disappear if we don’t take action now.”
Activities will take place from 10am to 4pm. Regular admission rates apply; free for Annual Pass
holders/Members. For more information, please call 250.665.7511 or email marketing@oceandiscovery.ca.
Background: Endangered Species Day was started in 2006 by the United States Congress as a celebration of
wildlife and wild places. Every year on the third Friday in May, zoos, aquariums, parks, and wildlife refuges
throughout North America hold special events that provide information to people about the importance of
preserving endangered species.
Media Contact: Christina Smethurst, Marketing Manager-250.665.7511-marketing@oceandiscovery.ca
About Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is an aquarium and marine education centre focused on
the diverse ecosystem of the Salish Sea. www.oceandiscovery.ca. It is a not-for-profit community facility. Funds to operate the
aquarium and associated education programs come from admissions revenues, memberships and generous community support
through donations. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is governed, funded, and owned by the New Marine Centre Society a
registered charity. The Centre is located at 9811 Seaport Pl on the waterfront in Sidney, BC.