Contact:

Kirsten Maynard

415.350.4147

kirsten@maynardpr.com

RIDE A SEA LION ON PIER 39’S NEW TWO-STORY CAROUSEL

PIER 39 celebrates the Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ arrival with free rides

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – (December 31, 2008) – Just in time to celebrate the 19^th anniversary of the infamous Sea Lions’ arrival at PIER 39, San Francisco’s Premier Bay Attraction today announced the arrival of its new carousel.   Installed on the first level at the Bay end of PIER 39, the two-story carousel was custom made in Sernaglia, Treviso in Italy.  There, artisans handcrafted the glittering merry-go-round to feature numerous unique marine animals, and hand painted the ride with stylized depictions of famous San Francisco landmarks.   A celebratory opening event will take place on Monday, January 19, 2009 and all proceeds from carousel rides from noon to 4pm that day will benefit The Marine Mammal Center.

The marine-life-influenced carousel offers 32 animals to ride, including Sea Dragons, Hippocampi Sea Lions, Dolphins, Panda Bears, and of course, Horses.  Amongst the intricately designed animals are two stationary chariots, and for the more adventurous riders there are two spinning tubs.  The carousel – the only one in the country featuring artistic renderings of its home city – is adorned with famous San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Alcatraz and the popular California Sea Lions, who have made their home at PIER 39 since January 1990.  The double-decker is also energy efficient with LED lighting throughout.  Tickets are $3.00 per ride and can be purchased at the carousel.   For further information about PIER 39, please phone 415.705.5500 or visit www.pier39.com.

About The Marine Mammal Center:

Headquartered in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Sausalito, California, The Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit veterinary hospital, research and educational center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals - primarily elephant seals, harbor seals and California sea lions - and to the study of their health. Since 1975, The Center has rescued and treated more than 13,000 marine mammals and has accumulated a body of knowledge about marine mammal and ocean health from its patients. For more information, visit www.marinemammalcenter.org.  

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