Discover Predators with Science Bites at the Aquarium of the Bay
Our world is mostly water, and it’s a world we still know so little about. Peek under the waves at Aquarium of the Bay on PIER 39 and see into completely different ecosystems. Through on-going - and playful - Science Bites programs, naturalists give a glimpse of the importance of ocean predators.
Think sharks are scary now? You should have seen their prehistoric cousins! Sharks were around before dinosaurs and survived them to evolve to the modern version. They are living wonders of the oceans, ruling the water and commanding the food web. Find out how sharks hunt, what they like to eat, and how we learn about them with activities like Shark Tagging, Jaw-some Animal Feedings and Jurassic Shark. They lose 10,000 to 30,000 teeth in a lifetime, and have developed a wide range of reproductive adaptations including laying eggs, hatching eggs inside the female, and live birth.
Learn more through play with plush toys, real shark jaws and egg sacs; children and adults alike will leave with respect for these awe inspiring predators.
Octopus, the Smartest Chameleon in the Ocean
This predator has brains and brawn! Learn about one of the most intelligent and fascinating inhabitants of our local waters, the octopus. While not a top predator, this meso-predator plays a big role in the food web. Join the naturalist-led octopus talks, special presentations, and hands-on activities like daily squid dissections in the Bay Lab. Learn about octopus adaptations, including their amazing camouflage and escape artistry. Discover the anatomy of squids and how ocean acidification affects squids and people alike. And, learn how to turn one of the more popular marine animals into art.
River Otter: Keen Hunters and Watershed Ambassadors
River otters may look cute and cuddly, but don't let their furry exterior fool you. Learn more about their keen hunting skills and the adaptations that let them rule the rivers through otter-ly fantastic activities, like a chance to make your own watershed or dress like an otter.
Science Bites is an on-going educational series at Aquarium of the Bay; check the daily schedule of talks and events here as you plan your visit.
The Aquarium of the Bay is conveniently located on PIER 39, along the San Francisco Bay waterfront, where the Embarcadero meets Beach Street, and adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf. The PIER is easily accessible via San Francisco Muni's historic F-Line street car or the 8X, 8BX, 39, or 47 bus lines. San Francisco's famous cable car lines also drop off a few short blocks from The PIER.