This past weekend we had the opportunity to go to the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. The Aquarium of the Pacific is special because it is an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited Aquarium and works to save endangered species. Luke loves animals and I jump at any opportunity to expose him to a wide variety of experiences so we were very excited when Stonyfield joined with AZA to offer us this opportunity.
As Summer approaches consider checking out zoos and Aquariums in your area that are AZA accredited (LIST HERE). April 25thi is World Penguin Day and this year Stonyfield has joined together with AZA to save 10 animals from extinction including the African Penguin. In fact, to commemorate this partnership, the African Penguin will be featured prominently on Stonyfield YoKids packaging this year.
We loved our day at the Aquarium, here are some of the incredible things we saw and did!
Jelly fish always look so majestic gliding through the water in their beautiful tanks.
Luke loved exploring the huge floor-to-ceiling tanks with his cousin. The sea lions were incredibly interactive and playful during our visit.
Next we headed to the Lorikeet enclosure where we had the opportunity to purchase a small cup of nectar to feed the birds.
Beautiful in their rainbow colored plumage, the Lorikeets were enchanting to watch and exciting to feed.
Both kids and myself loved taking turns feeding the birds. I even had the treat of one landing on my hand for a snack!
Outside we found several touch-tanks offering sting rays, and a selection of fish and small sharks. Luke was eager to get his hands in the water, but wasn’t big enough to reach any of the sea life.
The Sea Otters are always a favorite of mine. They look so cute and playful as they swim and float in their tank.
With sea life organized by region, each tank had a different theme and composition.
You can help save the endangered species by shopping Stonyfield and visiting your local AZA zoos and aquariums.
Now through the end of September families who buy two specially-marked YoKids yogurt multipacks will receive a FREE kid’s admission to their local AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium with purchase of an adult ticket. Stonyfield hopes that this early exposure to endangered species will help foster a lifelong appreciation of our planet and a commitment to animal preservation.
Unfortunately, many animals are on the endangered animals list, to educate young children about the struggle Stonyfield has created a video series called “Can a Cow save a…” LINK By saying no to toxic persistent pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics and GMOs, Stonyfield has been saying yes to delicious, healthy food for more then 30 years.
Before we knew it our day at the Aquarium was over, but we enjoyed our day as a family and I hope we will return again soon.
Dr. Patricia Bast was born and raised in Southern California. She earned a bachelors degree in science at UC Irvine, then went on to graduate medical school from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Northern California. After several years working as a pediatrician Dr. Bast choose to expand her training to include lactation consultant. Dr. Bast is now raising her children and taking care of patients in beautiful Georgia.
