Last summer I took a road trip up and down California.  We packed as much as possible into the few days we had, stopping at Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redwood National Park, Napa, and finally the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  I was six years old the last time I’d been to this famous aquarium, so I didn’t remember much.  I’m very pleased that this time I’ll remember it well.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on the same Cannery Row of John Steinbeck’s book of the same title, is large enough to spend several hours exploring, and interesting enough to spend a whole day there.  All throughout the aquarium is evidence of their mission “to inspire conservation of the oceans,” including Seafood Watch Guides and conservation tips readily available.  The aquarium is home to about 550 species of plants and animals and many interactive exhibits that promote education, conservation, and the kind of fun suitable for family outings, dates, or solo ventures.

While the very special place in my heart reserved for fish was what first led me to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I have another special place for birds.  Throughout my teen years I cared for nonreleasable birds of prey (birds that had been injured or imprinted and thus could not survive on their own) and spoke to the public about them, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw Makana, a nonreleasable Laysan albatross, in person.  From what I could see, her caretakers followed ethical practices of using wild birds for education, including giving Makana lots of personal space.  Makana was not there to do tricks, but to teach the audience about the perils facing this amazing flyer.  The International Union for Conservation of Nature recognizes twenty-two species of albatross.  Of those, nineteen are threatened, including two that are critically endangered.

The folks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium explained that a major contributor to the decline of the magnificent albatross is litter.  Plastic garbage can find its way from hundreds of miles inland to the shore, where albatrosses, other sea birds, and marine mammals mistake the plastic for food, and die from eating it.  A staggering 40% of Laysan albatross chicks die each year after their parents unwittingly feed them plastics like bottle caps and toothbrushes.  That’s one excellent reason to put your trash where it belongs: in the recycling bin or garbage can.  Better yet, use reusable bags, bottles, and other products whenever possible.

Admission is $29.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages three to twelve, $27.95 for seniors and students, and free for children under three.  Admission fees support the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s nonprofit work, research, and conservation efforts.