The Aquarium of the Pacific fully reopened with limited capacity on March 16. It is taking the necessary steps in keeping staff and visitors safe from the virus while being fully opened.
The decision to fully reopen the aquarium came after careful planning and discussion between the President and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific Dr. Peter Kareiva and the city of Long Beach.
“Re-opening has not been difficult but rather considered a different experience operating with new protocols. It’s been a matter of becoming comfortable with this new normal,” said Nicole Meek who oversees guest and environmental services at the aquarium.
With fully reopening it allows the aquarium’s vision area to operate again at reduced capacity which allows for proper social distancing.
During the pandemic the community at the Aquarium of the Pacific has been most proud of how the staff has rallied together by coming up with creative ways for the public to participate and feel involved during the closure period.
The staff set up live webcams for the penguin habitat, shark lagoon, sea nettles, tropical reef, coral predators and the honda blue curve. With some such as the penguin habitat having an underwater view as well.
Temperature screenings will be taken for all guests and staff. Hand sanitizer stations will also be placed throughout the aquarium. With it only being allowed a limited capacity of 25% within the aquarium.
The only animals that are potentially vulnerable to COVID-19 are their sea otters and they employ the same safety measures to reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19 to the otters, as they do for each other.
The Aquarium Public Relations Director Marilyn Padilla said, “We have always given the animals the best quality of treatment which is why during the lockdown we lost approximately $1 million a month.”
“All visitors have been compliant with the new protocols,” said Padilla.
One of the new protocols include guests needing advanced timed reservations as a requirement to visit the aquarium.
“People are happy to be out and they want a safe place where they can bring their children with a good outdoor and now indoor experience once again. Which is why they have no concerns with the decisions to reopen,” said Meek.