Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography Receives Eighth Annual M.A.C.E. Award

CONTACT: Jane Ballentine, (301)562-0777 x252

NEW ORLEANS 22 September 2004 — The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and The Curtis And Edith Munson Foundation today honored the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, with the eighth annual Munson Aquatic Conservation Exhibitry (M.A.C.E.) Award for the Secrets of the Seahorse exhibit. Aquarium officials accepted the award at a special presentation during AZA's 80th Annual Conference meeting here this week.

The M.A.C.E. Awards were designed to recognize excellence in aquatic exhibits that incorporate conservation education into the design and presentation. The Awards are given annually in the form of a grant to the winning institution's education department.

The Secrets of the Seahorse 2,000-square foot interactive exhibition allows visitors an up-close look at these intriguing animals. Guests can explore the unique adaptations and biology of seahorses and their relatives, while learning about the current threats to their survival, and what can be done to conserve this diminishing creature.

Secrets of the Seahorse showcases thirteen species of live animals native both to local waters and abroad, ranging from the endangered Knysna seahorse from South Africa to the largest seahorse species, the Pacific seahorse. Through engaging and thought-provoking, hands-on displays, the exhibit illustrates why seahorses are actually fish, how male seahorses become pregnant and give birth, and many other unbelievable seahorse truths! The exhibit also features a working seahorse breeding laboratory where visitors can observe the breeding, birthing, feeding, and day-to-day lives of these mysterious fish.

The Curtis And Edith Munson Foundation has been active in marine conservation for over ten years. The Board of directors established the M.A.C.E. Awards to recognize the educational contribution being made by the nation's zoos and aquariums through their exhibits which reach millions of visitors a day.

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association was founded in 1924 and currently represents 212 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America. AZA's mission is to support membership excellence in conservation, education, science and recreation.

For more information contact Jessica Demian, 858-534-8555