by Wendy Lafond

Created on: November 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 11, 2008

The Seattle Aquarium, located on Pier 59 in Seattle, Washington, began in 1977 and is owned and operated by the city. The Aquarium has become nationally know as an aquatic educational center. It is the leader in the area for marine science education, as well as being one of the top tourist attractions in the area and a common destination for the residents of Seattle.

It lies along Elliot Bay at the edge of the Puget Sound and many of the exhibits are focused on the ecosystems in the Sound. A part of the newest expansion, which opened in June 2007, is Puget Sound Great Hall. Among the many displays of the Sound is the Window on Washington Waters exhibit. This 120,000 gallon display features animals from Washington's coast.

Just past the Window on Washington Waters exhibit is the 40 by 8 foot wave tank that shows how marine life survives and continues in the turbulent waters of the Sound. The Aquarium Dome is another Puget Sound wild life exhibit, a 400,000 gallon tank with 360 degree views from the dome beneath it. Salmon swim beside the glass, ling cod lurk behind the underwater reefs hiding from the ever-watchful sharks. Bright and colorful to camouflaged bottom-feeding Sturgeon, all the marine life of the Puget Sound is here on display. The highlight of this exhibit is the daily feeding and educational talk put on by scuba divers inside the tank.

Probably the most popular and definitely the most exciting exhibit is the Marine Mammals, featuring daily entertainment from fur seals, harbor seals, and sea otters who romp and play, swim, dive and bask in the sun. There is viewing available from the top, at the surface, and also from the side to enable viewing their underwater antics, as well.

The star of the Marine Mammal exhibit is Lootas, a female sea otter. She was born in Uganik Bay in southern Alaska and orphaned before she was a month old. Lootas was brought to the Seattle Aquarium where she was hand-raised. Her story was so heartwarming that author Clare Meeker wrote the book "Lootas Little Wave Eater," featuring her dramatic rescue and promising future at the aquarium.

Another popular exhibit is actually a three-part exhibit displaying some of Puget Sound's most amazing creatures. First there is the Ring of Life display, a 12-foot high glass archway that is filled with a multitude of Moon Jellies, a type of jellyfish that floats past in an amazing display. Then you can experience Puget Sound's Giant Pacific Octopus in very close proximity in the multi-species tank filled with unique creatures who are waiting to fill visitors with wonder. Finally, the 13-foot, hands-on wet table is where kids of all ages are encouraged to touch young rockfish, sea stars, and plankton. This is a truly amazing and mystical world full of mysterious creatures of the sea.

The Seattle Aquarium is a great place to go for entertainment, education, and an all-around good experience. The displays and exhibits are well-maintained and the staff are friendly and helpful. Feel free to ask whatever questions, the staff will do their best to help make sure that all are answered. See, touch, and enjoy the Seattle Aquarium.

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