SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium welcomed its one millionth guest to the Aquarium today. Six-year-old Nathan Powell from McKinney, Texas and his family were greeted with cheers and applause as they pushed through the turnstiles at 10:09 a.m.
Nathan was treated to a special welcome by SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium’s Aquarist staff and SEA LIFE celebrity Hammy the Hammerhead, who announced him as the Aquarium’s first-ever Junior Aquarist. This special honor included a behind-the-scenes meet and greet with the Aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus who is soon to be relocated to “Octopus Garden”, an interactive experience introducing families to the amazing world of cephalopods. From octopus and cuttlefish to nautilus, these distinctive creatures have almost supernatural abilities including camouflage, ink clouds and jet propulsion, that will surprise and delight adults and children alike. Octopus Garden opens this spring.
As the Aquarium’s one millionth guest, Nathan also received LEGOLAND® California Resort Membership passes for him and his family, a SEA LIFE gift pack, lunch at Ocean Journey Cafe and special VIP treatment during the underwater dive show, “Daily Dive”.
“This is a very important milestone for SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium and the Merlin Entertainments Group,” said General Manager of SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium Colin Ross. “We are thrilled to have provided an educational and fun, family experience to one million SEA LIFE visitors and look forward to future developments within the Aquarium.”
The 36,000 square foot Aquarium opened at LEGOLAND California Resort August 11, 2008 and has since become home to the only scalloped hammerhead shark on display in Southern California and is also the only aquarium on the West coast to showcase eagle rays.
More than a standard Aquarium, SEA LIFE provides an educational and interactive dynamic unlike any other. The SEA LIFE experience incorporates LEGO models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean, presenting the wonders of the underwater world to them in a way specially designed for their understanding. Featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, SEA LIFE is designed to be a child’s guide to the life of the sea.
SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $13 for kids 3 to 12. For more information on SEA LIFE visit www.sealifeus.com.
