PIER 39, San Francisco Press

Press

July 8, 2010

NEW AMBASSADORS FOR CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS ON PIER 39

Aquarium of the Bay, The Marine Mammal Center, The Bay Institute
and PIER 39 Launch Sea Lion Interpretive Program

San Francisco, CA, July 6, 2010 – Providing insight into the boisterous world of the hundreds of beloved California sea lions that reside at PIER 39, educators from The Marine Mammal Center and Aquarium of the Bay today began a new visitor outreach program. Speaking above the barks of the animals, naturalists will lead daily discussions from 11am-5pm on the important role the animals play to the Northern California Coast ecosystem, explain their crowd-pleasing habits and answer visitors’ questions.

“This new partnership with our environmental and community partners complements The Bay Institute and Aquarium’s education and conservation-focused mission, and enhances our efforts to increase watershed literacy among locals and visitors alike,” said John Frawley, President and CEO of The Bay Institute.

“I can’t think of a better place to see and learn about sea lions and the ocean, as well as The Marine Mammal Center’s work and mission, than PIER 39;” said Jeff Boehm, Executive Director of The Marine Mammal Center. “We want to inspire the public to care about the ocean and its inhabitants, and together with our partners, the new ambassador program will allow us to reach visitors with that important conservation message.”

“The collaboration between Aquarium of The Bay, The Bay Institute , The Marine Mammal Center and PIER 39 is a natural fit in every way, ” said PIER 39’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Kathy Paver. “The health of the Bay and its marine life is of utmost importance to PIER 39 as we are located on the San Francisco waterfront with the sea lions being our most popular attraction. This partnership allows PIER 39 to more effectively impact our efforts to conserve and protect the Bay.”
The Sea Lion Interpretive Program is a collaboration between Aquarium of the Bay, The Marine Mammal Center, The Bay Institute and PIER 39. The program aims to create free, accessible interpretive experiences for the guests to San Francisco’s waterfront.

About Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium of the Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit marine nature center affiliated with The Bay Institute. The Aquarium is dedicated to creating experiences that inspire conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and certified as Green Business by the city of San Francisco. Additional information on Aquarium of the Bay is available at www.aquariumofthebay.org, and on The Bay Institute at www.bay.org.

About The Marine Mammal Center
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 been headquartered in the Marin Headlands, within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and has rescued and treated more than 15,000 marine mammals. The Center’s newly rebuilt headquarters in Sausalito gives visitors the unique opportunity to learn about marine mammals through viewing areas and educational exhibits. The hospital is open to the public daily 10 A.M.-5 P.M. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. For more information and to sign up for the Center’s eNewsletter, go to: www.marinemammalcenter.org

About PIER 39
PIER 39 is an open-air festival marketplace featuring restaurants, shops and eateries, entertainment, attractions, and extraordinary views of San Francisco Bay. Learn more at www.pier39.com.

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