Aquarium Of The Pacific

Mission:

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.

Vision:

The vision is to create the first aquarium, and perhaps the first institution, in the world dedicated to conserving and building Natural Capital (Nature and Nature’s services) by building Social Capital (the interactions between and among peoples).

About the Aquarium:

The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Its more than 500 species fill 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits and take visitors on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean's three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific.

History:
Although the first public aquarium was not built until 1853, fishes have been maintained by humans since at least 2500 B.C., when the Sumerians kept them in ponds for food.

In 1853, the first public aquarium opened in Regents Park, London, and was responsible for popularizing small home aquariums. Within the next 15 years, several more public aquariums opened up around the British Isles. However, because of inadequate life support systems, the animals did not survive. Soon aquarists began to learn about aeration, filtering, water temperature, and storage of water for the living exhibit tanks.

In 1871-72, public aquariums in Blackpool, England and Frankfurt, Germany opened successfully. The first public aquarium in the United States opened in 1856 and was sponsored by none other than P.T. Barnum. Today, there are many world-class aquariums around the United States where people can visit to learn more about the wonders that live within our oceans, rivers and lakes. The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the most technologically advanced that offers the most comprehensive look at the largest body of water on Earth: the Pacific Ocean.