LA JOLLA ---- If you want to know how popular sharks are at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, then look at how the museum has expanded its shark programming.
For years, Shark Week has been one of the most popular summer programs at the hilltop aquarium near UC San Diego. This year, Shark Week expands to Shark Month, and all of this year's programs will be focused on just one shark species ---- leopard sharks, a native species that can be found locally off the coast of La Jolla Shores. Scripps spokeswoman Jessica Crawford said this isn't the first time the aquarium has expanded its shark program to a full month, but it's the first time it's been focused on just one species.
"This is the first time we've focused solely on our local leopards," Crawford said. "There's exciting research on leopard sharks currently happening at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and we wanted to share with our visitors what our scientists are learning about these fascinating fish."
During July, the aquarium will offer leopard shark dive shows, video conferences, scientist lectures and up-close encounters coordinated by and featuring marine biologist Andy Nosal, a Scripps Oceanography Ph.D. graduate student, who is studying the local leopard shark colony. For tickets, reservations and more, visit aquarium.ucsd.edu or call 858-534-4109. The aquarium is at 2300 Expedition Way in La Jolla. Most events are free with admission, which is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and $9.50 for youth ages 3 to 17. Here's the schedule: