The Aquarium of the Pacific unveiled an exhibit on May 22 dedicated to endangered species and habitats, including the Southern California steelhead trout.
The “Summer of Wonder” exhibit opens to the public May 23, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
The exhibit includes sections dedicated to the Southern California steelhead trout in three aquariums, representing the species’ journey from freshwater to brackish water to the ocean.
Also included is a new aviary housing area with a breeding pair of Guam Kingfishers, endangered birds native to Guam.
“Both of the species that we’ve highlighted here as part of the Summer of Wonder exhibition have become endangered because of human impacts,” said Sandy Trautwein, curator of fish and invertebrates at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
There used to be thousands of the steelhead trout in Southern California waters, but they have declined since the construction of concrete dams. She said she hopes people who see the exhibits think twice about the past to rethink the future.
As part of the exhibit, visitors can touch added shark and ray species as well as horseshoe crabs.
“I think offering guests an interactive experience where they can actually touch an animal or at least see a beautiful rare specimen, it makes them feel connected to these worlds,” Trautwein said. “I think if people are connected and feel like they are interested in something they will want to care and protect it more.”
The Summer of Wonder also will include a morning penguin walk in June only, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at animal feedings.
Aquarium of the Pacific is located in Downtown Long Beach.
