Oregon Aquarium fascinating
How many times in your lifetime have you been kissed by a seal? Maybe you have been kissed by a prince or princess or even by a frog, but a seal? There is, on the Oregon Coast near Newport, 32 acres that you will love, even if seal kisses have a fishy smell. The Oregon Coast Aquarium houses 15,000 creatures (500 species), has a staff of 70 full-time employees, 400 volunteers and an annual attendance of about 450,000 visitors.
Sea life is a fascination for many of us who live away from the ocean. Sea stars, sand dollars, sharks, jelly fish, octopi, sea otters, sea birds, and many more fish and animals that can be found in the sea are at this aquarium. Some of them are cute, others are bizarre and a few can be scary.
Viewing animal behavior can be very entertaining. There are large outdoor enclosures where seals and sea lions can be seen swimming and sunning themselves. Plan some extra time to watch the sea otters. They are constantly swimming underwater, floating on their backs and playing with each other. There is also an aviary with colorful and unusual sea birds which sometimes will fly right past your head. There are five bird species here that are seen only along the coast.
Inside, there are two must-see permanent exhibits. The amazing jelly fishes range in colors from white Ethereal Moon Jellies to red Man-of-Wars. Constantly swimming or floating through the floor-to-ceiling glass enclosures, the translucent creatures all look like they are doing a slow, graceful dance. Most spectators are stunned observers in this portion of the aquarium.
The “Passages of the Deep” display takes visitors through a 200-foot acrylic underwater tunnel. The 1.32-million gallon exhibit contains 3,500 sea creatures like sharks, sting rays, tuna and many other fish. The tunnel gives the illusion of a walk through the ocean with fish swimming overhead, underneath and alongside the onlooker. It is just another reason to make this a vacation destination.
Two new, temporary exhibits have also been developed. Opened in 2006, “It’s a Crustacean Invasion” showcases various lobsters, crabs, shrimp and barnacles: 35 species in all shapes, colors and sizes. Have you ever seen a Sally Lightfoot Crab? There are a variety of interactive displays including a “crab dance” video that encourages kids to dance to the music. Whether you like to eat some of them or just look, this is another interesting aquarium site.
On Memorial Day weekend a new exhibit, “In Search of Giant Squid” opened up. This is a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit. These animals live in the deep sea and have the largest eyes of any living animal. Their blood is clear, and it is based on copper rather than iron like ours. They can weigh more than 1,000 pounds and are rarely seen.
The aquarium also offers behind the scenes programs. For example, for an additional price, visitors can feed and get kissed by a seal. Reservations must be made before arriving at the aquarium.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium offers plenty to see. In fact, a day may not be enough time to spend there. Of course, the ocean, beach and waves are not far away for further entertainment. This will make an outstanding short vacation that the entire family will enjoy.
There are various motels strung along coastal Highway 101 in and near Newport. One of the nicest located right on the rocky shoreline of the coast is the Inn at Otter Crest. Only 12 miles north of Newport, most of the units are condominiums that are available for rent. The studios and loft suites include a separate living and dining area, full kitchen and fireplace. There is a quality restaurant on the premises, The Flying Dutchman. Situated on a high cliff with a great view of the ocean and coastline, this place is one to check out. The room rates are surprisingly reasonable.