It’s time to live blue™

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Members’ Magazine Meet Our New President, Volume 51, Number 4 Fall 2018 Vikki Spruill Aquarium to Africa: In This Issue Myrtle’s Vet Helps Save 10,000 Endangered Tortoises

Charles Innis, VMD, doctor to only 80 of the sickest “ICU” patients Myrtle the green sea turtle, Ron the required daily medical care. From the President and CEO sea lion pup, and other New England Charlie called the entire event a Aquarium stars, recently traveled to “herculean effort by many.” Thanks What a thrill to return full-time to my roots in Madagascar to help more than 10,000 to these efforts, the tortoises had a ocean conservation as President and CEO of the new patients. New England Aquarium. Thanks to all of you for the survival rate of 90 percent! warm welcome to Central Wharf. It means so much. Charlie, the Aquarium’s Director “The mission was very successful. I have long respected the Aquarium for its deep of Animal Health, was one of many We were able to rehabilitate thousands conservation research and legacy of inspiring millions experts from around the world to of endangered tortoises back to good of visitors about the essential value of our oceans. answer a call from the Turtle Survival health,” said Charlie. My real passion for the oceans began when I was a Alliance after local police discovered teenager growing up along the Gulf Coast and has nearly 11,000 endangered radiated Charlie’s work was made possible by a guided me throughout my career. I’ve devoted much tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) crammed very generous donation from one of our of my professional life to being a voice for sound into a private residence in Madagascar dedicated donors. Your generosity helps science and ocean health by translating complex last May. support the New England Aquarium’s ocean issues to the public and policymakers. conservation efforts on Central Wharf Radiated tortoises are a critically The Aquarium is a unique kind of conservation and around the globe. endangered species found only in organization, one that educates and inspires, Madagascar. A “critically —Emily Greenhalgh studies and informs, and ultimately mobilizes people to protect our blue planet—all in an iconic city where endangered” distinction our nation’s maritime history began. Looking ahead, means the species is at I intend to focus my tenure here on several key topics, risk of extinction in but there is no more important issue for our time North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) the near future. The than that of climate change and its connection to the tortoises are often Cool Jobs: Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of the Aquarium health of the ocean and . I look forward to 2 collected illegally and furthering the Aquarium’s mission to educate, inspire, 4 Catalysts for Change: Scientists measure @neaq.org sold on the international and mobilize citizens to act to protect our blue planet. Dive into a sea of resources online at neaq.org. pet trade market. hormones in whale blow It’s an honor to join the Aquarium team at such a Our website is full of conservation information, animal facts, and details that will help you plan your next trip Without access to food critical time for our oceans—and as we approach the ™: Vulnerable coral reefs are invaluable to the Aquarium. or water, many of the Aquarium’s 50th anniversary in 2019 and look ahead 5 live blue tortoises were sick or injured, to the next 50 years. From the air we breathe to On the cover: Future Ocean Protectors: Learn how a marvelous marine animals large and small, our place 6 Vikki Spruill Photo: Webb Chappell but Charlie and the team helped little blue penguin goes from egg to exhibit many of their hard-shelled patients here on Central Wharf serves as a constant reminder blue is a quarterly magazine exclusively for members of of humanity’s profound connection to our oceans. the New England Aquarium produced and published by survive. How do you treat a tortoise? Central Wharf Explorer: Aquarium is a New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. I’m honored to be a part of the Aquarium’s dedicated 8 Since the animals had been crammed nursery to many baby animals Publishing office is located at 177 Milk St., Boston. team, including the recently launched Anderson Cabot blue and all materials within are property of the into a home without food or water for Center for Ocean Life, which brings to the fore our New England Aquarium. Reproduction of any materials an unknown period of time, ongoing is possible only through written permission. © 2018 long history and emphasis on marine science and 10 Members' Notes: Kids programs blue treatments involved rehydration, add two new offerings, holiday gift ideas Editor: Jon Kinson tube feeding for those too sick to eat, research—from our staff to our boards to our donors, Designer: Cathy LeBlanc members, and visitors—all joining forces to further Contributors: Emily Bauernfeind, Marissa Ghantous, antibiotic therapy, topical treatments, the Aquarium’s mission to be effective advocates 12 Calendar: Fall lecture series continues, Emily Greenhalgh, Kelli James, Jon Kinson, Deb Kulich, anti-parasitic therapy, and other for vital and vibrant oceans. What a legacy we’re upcoming events, films and Amy MacKinnon supportive care. creating—together. Thank you for your continued General Information: 617-973-5200 The team examined more than 500 commitment and passion for our work and the ocean. Marine Animal Stranding Hotline: 617-973-5247 New England Aquarium Proudly Recognizes Our Lead Sponsors turtles a day, providing treatment to I look forward to seeing you at the Aquarium and on Membership: 617-973-6555, [email protected] the sickest individuals and moving the water. Navigator and Conservation Societies: 617-226-2622, [email protected] the patients that had improved to The Tide: 617-973-5224, [email protected] another facility. Within days, several thousand of the healthiest tortoises Vikki N. Spruill were relocated to a long-term holding Dr. Innis helped treat nearly 11,000 center. By Charlie’s sixth day there, radiated tortoises in Madagascar in May. 1 cool jobs

—Amy MacKinnon

Walk into Vikki Spruill’s office with at the national and international solutions, we can elevate our Aquarium’s New President its views of Central Wharf and the levels for most of my career and contributions to the work. We Rose Kennedy Greenway, and—apart want to bring those experiences can marry the attributes of from Boston Harbor—the first thing to to the community-based level our beloved Aquarium with Sets Her Sights on catch the eye is a sign she placed on her where, traditionally, change has conservation solutions for bookshelf her first day as President and had its origins. The Aquarium healthier oceans.” CEO of the New England Aquarium: is a seminal research and And that means addressing Boston and Beyond If your ship hasn’t come in, swim conservation institution, staffed by climate change. out to it. an exceptional team already at the vanguard of ocean conservation, “I don’t think there’s a more It’s exactly important issue than climate what Spruill and Boston is steeped in maritime history. I can’t think of a better change—globally, nationally, has been doing and locally,” said Spruill, noting her entire life. place to be than among the best and brightest at the New England the oceans are at a pivotal An Army brat Aquarium.” juncture when it comes to climate who moved change. “We have got to come to around the globe as a child, she spent her Spruill said she believes the public grips with climate change and and policymakers are eager to Vikki Spruill waits for a passing ray alongside a young visitor high school and college years primarily at the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank. deploy mitigation and resilience along the Gulf Coast. It’s there she fell in contribute to ocean conservation strategies. The Aquarium can actions, but people often don’t know love with the oceans at a young age and influencing the public about change,” help, we have an obligation to raise wanted to become a marine biologist. It where to start. She cited an Association awareness for why it matters.” of Zoos & Aquariums survey that said Packard, who has worked with was a dream she shared with her high Spruill on behalf of the oceans for Dr. Jane Lubchenco, distinguished school science teacher. showed more than 181 million people visit aquariums and zoos each year— decades. Professor of Marine Studies at “He told me there wasn’t a place for more than the combined annual But it’s not simply Spruill’s Oregon State University and past women in the sciences,” said Spruill. attendance of the National Football communications skills that make U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Challenge accepted. League, Major League Baseball, her the perfect fit for the Aquarium, for Oceans and Atmosphere at the National Hockey League, and National National Oceanic and Atmospheric Spruill eventually took her it’s how she builds partnerships and Basketball Association. communities within communities to Administration, believes Spruill is communications degrees and years of more than ready for the challenge. experience in strategic communications “They’re looking for direction,” said turn words into action. and marketing to The Pew Charitable Spruill. “They want someone to lead “I’m thrilled she’s the President of the “Vikki is the perfect leader at the Trusts, where she founded and led them. The New England Aquarium has New England Aquarium, what an perfect time for a storied aquarium,” SeaWeb. This innovative initiative a unique advantage in that we combine exciting opportunity for Boston,” said said Lubchenco. “It’s a pivotal time promoted the intersection of marine 1.4 million visitors a year who visit Jim Canales, President of the Boston- because the ocean is just coming into science with strategic communications our Main Building with cutting-edge based Barr Foundation, which seeks its time, coming onto peoples’ radars. and policy. Later, she co-founded scientific research, education programs, as part of its mission to build strategic Vikki’s a stellar leader. She knows COMPASS, which helps scientists more and a deep commitment to community partnerships to advance climate change how to harness the talents and energy effectively communicate environmental engagement, conservation, and action. solutions. “Over the years, the role of of a dynamic team.” issues to policymakers, media, and the Policymakers listen to their constituents the Aquarium has shifted in how it In spite of the daunting conservation public. She raised her profile and overall and, if they are not educated and engages the public. Vikki brings a skill challenges, Spruill remains awareness of ocean conservation, science informed about conservation challenges set that focuses on collaboration and energetically optimistic. Looking translation and communication, and facing the ocean, we will never move the solutions. She’s partnership-oriented out over Boston Harbor from her policy advocacy and philanthropy in needle on much needed protections.” yet is a leader.” Aquarium office, Spruill smiles her roles as President and CEO of such Julie Packard, longtime Executive Part of Spruill’s role that she’s most when asked about the obstacles that powerhouse organizations as Ocean Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium excited about will be expanding the lie ahead. Conservancy and, most recently, the in California, believes Spruill is just the reach of the Aquarium’s recently Said Spruill, “No matter how Council on Foundations. person to help give that direction. launched research and conservation audacious the challenge, it always So why the New England Aquarium “Vikki has been a real leader and institute, the Anderson Cabot Center comes back to individual people and and why now? innovator in the cause of ocean for Ocean Life. their community-based actions that “For the past two years, I’ve watched the conservation. What distinguishes her “It’s an exciting time for the Anderson make a positive difference in the erosion of environmental protections and contributions to this field has really Cabot Center,” said Spruill. “When world. And that’s what we do at the the disregard for science and science- been her focus on marketing and governments, businesses, and Aquarium. All of us, together.” Aquarium President and CEO Vikki Spruill talks with teen intern Chika Chukwu at the top of the Giant Ocean Tank. based policies,” said Spruill. “I’ve worked communications, and her ideas about stakeholders are eager for conservation 2 3 catalysts for change live blue TM —Emily Greenhalgh —Emily Greenhalgh Blown Away: Measuring Hormones Coral Reefs from Whale Blow at Sea Incredibly Diverse, Gravely Threatened Imagine a vibrant ocean environment. Like their warm-water cousins, cold-water The New England Aquarium is dedicated You’ll probably picture a coral reef corals provide nursery grounds, food, and to studying these ecosystems and When doctors try to paint a picture of a person’s could detect urea concentration within the samples with its kaleidoscope of colors and protection for a staggering number of fish educating the public to help the world’s health, they gather as much information as of blow and use this information to correct hormone spectacular biodiversity. Even cousins to and invertebrate species. Some species reefs survive and thrive. Our crown jewel, possible. The same is true for the scientists values for any water contamination. A diluted blow our own Myrtle the green sea turtle call of deep-sea corals have been dated to the 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank, at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life sample would have a lower urea concentration coral reefs home. It’s easy to see why more than 4,000 years old—twice the lets you experience firsthand the beauty at the New England Aquarium and their and vice versa. This allowed them to accurately these environments have long captured age of California’s redwood trees. of a Caribbean coral reef. The four-story 50-ton patients—North Atlantic right whales. quantify hormone concentrations and meaningfully the imagination of ocean lovers. tank features hundreds of Caribbean compare levels between individual whales. Scientists estimate that coral reefs For years, doctors have been able But corals aren’t simply a backdrop act as nurseries for about a quarter reef animals, including sea turtles, to measure concentrations of Thanks to the New England Aquarium’s Right Whale for colorful fish and invertebrates. As of the oceans’ fish. In addition to their stingrays, eels, and fishes. Head to the hormones and other compounds Identification Catalog, which is curated by researchers anyone who has visited our Living unique ecological importance, reefs top of the GOT to explore the Yawkey from human breath. Now, at the Anderson Cabot Center, the scientists were able Corals exhibit knows, corals are alive! act as a natural shield around our Coral Reef Center for an intimate view drawing on those same to positively photo-identify all 46 right whales they They may resemble funny rocks, but coasts, protecting valuable coastal of coral reef inhabitants. Want to see ideas, scientists at the sampled during this study. The most pivotal whale in these living animals are relatives of infrastructure and wetlands from live corals? Check out the Living Corals Anderson Cabot Center have the study was Harmonia (Catalog #3101 in the Right sea jellies and anemones. There are storms. They also bring in billions of exhibit on Level 1 and sway along with found a way to measure Whale Catalog), a pregnant female. The team collected more than 800 known species of dollars a year in tourism. According to the pulsing xenia or sea anemones. hormones in blow (breath) two blow samples and one fecal sample, which meant reef-building coral around the world the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Of the 800 known coral species, the from large whales at sea. the scientists could compare the expected hormone and hundreds of different species Administration (NOAA), 500 million majority are found in the Indian and “A marine mammal is tied to patterns from their tried and tested fecal work to of soft and deep-sea corals. people around the world depend on coral Pacific oceans in an area known as the the surface in order to breathe,” the blow results. Both types of samples had high reefs for their food and livelihoods. Indo-Pacific region. The Aquarium is in progesterone levels characteristic of pregnancy. Although they’re often associated said Dr. Elizabeth Burgess, lead with tropical paradises, corals also Although they cover less than the process of creating a new exhibit author on a recent paper published this summer “This project was a really classic example of extending exist outside tropical waters. Deep- 1 percent of the planet’s surface, coral to highlight this amazing area. Our new in Scientific Reports and associate scientist at the into new, innovative technologies by leveraging sea corals are found in all oceans, reefs are some of the most biodiverse Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Exhibit will open Anderson Cabot Center’s Marine Stress and Ocean decades of work done at the Aquarium,” said Elizabeth. including the icy waters off Antarctica. ecosystems in the world. They’re in 2019. The 9,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling Health program. “That’s our opportunity as humans tank will feature more than 70 different The scientists collected and analyzed 100 blow There are even corals in the waters also among the most threatened. to take samples and understand these animals.” off the northeast coast of the United kinds of tropical reef fishes. Artificial samples from 46 different North Atlantic right whales Warming waters from climate change, States. The Northeast Canyons and coral expertly designed and painted by Interpreting blow samples is difficult because during this study—that’s nearly 10 percent of the total unsustainable fishing practices, invasive Seamounts Marine National Monument, Aquarium artists will make you feel as samples are diluted by an uncontrolled and unknown population! It’s the first time anyone has successfully species, and global pollution all threaten a blue park about 150 miles southeast if you’re actually swimming among the amount of water (including seawater). The Anderson quantified hormone levels from whale blow from these vital environments. Deep-sea corals of Cape Cod, features a stunning array colorful tangs, wrasses, and sharks. Cabot Center scientists helped solve this problem large whales at sea. The research also marks the and sponges are extremely vulnerable of deep-sea, cold-water corals. by using urea, an organic compound found in low first time scientists have been able to noninvasively to human activities that could damage As always, our Aquarium educators will variation in the blood. The researchers found they access near real-time hormone information. Knowing the seafloor. Dredging, seismic activity, be around to help inspire and instruct. how humans are affecting right whale populations and bottom-trawl fisheries all damage We know corals have the best chance to is a key part to protecting them into the future. the seafloor environment, affecting adapt if humans slow climate change and corals that could take centuries to reduce other human-caused stresses. recover—if they are able to recover at all. How can you help? Learn all you can about these habitats and what’s harming them, and then share that knowledge. Together, can we protect . Learn More In the months ahead, Anderson Cabot Center researchers will share more exciting science-based solutions to problems facing our oceans. Please visit accol.org to learn more about our work or to make a donation.

Senior Scientist Dr. Rosalind Rolland collects a blow sample in the field. 4 5 1 future ocean protectors Ocean animal fun facts for young readers —Jon Kinson

from egg to exhibit

After a little blue penguin chick hatches from its egg, it takes about 3 The chicks will then two months before it’s ready to swim alongside the adult penguins. stay with their parents for about a month or So how does the New England Aquarium, which is one two. During this time, the parents of six locations in the United States where people can will eat small fish (we feed them a variety of fish such as capelin, see little blue penguins, maintain its colony of the smallest herring, smelt, and sardines) and penguin species in the world? By hatching and raising these partially digest it before regurgitating it to the juvenile penguins. adorable, swimming birds, which can be found in the wild in Australia and New Zealand. And this is how we do it: After about another month, we return the 4 parents to our exhibit so we can get the chicks used to being hand-fed by our staff.

In late November, the 1 Aquarium’s penguin While growing up behind the scenes, the chicks team creates from 5 will go through two molts (shedding two types one to eight pairs of males and of down and then growing their first set of females based on the size waterproof feathers). The chicks’ first down does not keep it of our penguin colony and warm, so the parents have to provide the heat. The second good breeding opportunities down is warmer, allowing both parents in the wild to leave available among our their demanding chicks to gather enough food for them. penguins. These pairs will live behind the scenes, each with their own space and About two months after they hatch, the chicks, burrow, which is often just an 6 which are used to eating fish hand-fed to them overturned kitty litter container, by our staff, are ready to go on exhibit. to nest and, hopefully, lay eggs. This past spring, we successfully hatched and raised four adorable little blue penguin chicks. 2 After a 36- to 38-day incubation period, during which After about two months, a little blue penguin (Eudyptula minor) both the male and female penguins take turns sitting A 1-day-old chick fits comfortably You can learn more about them and all our is ready to go on exhibit. on the eggs to keep them warm, the chicks hatch. in a person's hand. penguins on our blog at neaq.org/blogs. Top: These four cuties were born in spring 2016. 6 7 central wharf explorer

—Emily Bauernfeind Pups: From

Common cuttlefish Sepia( officinalis) Sharks to Sea Lions Inset: cuttlefish eggs in the exhibit. There's a lot of growing up happening at the New England Aquarium!

Watching the penguins race through Juvenile Cowfish Baby cuttlefish look just like the adults, And these are just a few of the younguns Don’t miss the nearby larval fish exhibit, the water with agility and ease, it’s only miniature. The wee ones are too you can see at the Aquarium! Look for where dozens of homegrown grunts surprising to think they were once For several years now, visitors have small to go on exhibit right away, so juvenile African penguins in their gray are schooling next to a sign detailing helpless fluffs, fully reliant on their been able to watch a young honeycomb aquarists keep them in nurseries behind plumage. Head over to the Blue Planet the life cycle of these flashy fish. parents and keepers for their every cowfish bop around its exhibit in the the scenes until they’ve grown a bit. Action Center to check out the bitty need. Penguin chicks are just one Yawkey Coral Reef Center at the top But don’t worry, the juvenile cuttlefish lobsters as you learn about research Follow the Aquarium blog for the of many animals that start their lives of the Giant Ocean Tank. This little guy that you might see in the exhibit are on lobster shell disease by Anderson latest baby news and more! here on Central Wharf. From sea lion arrived at the Aquarium in 2015 as a Gulf just as fascinating as the babies! Cabot Center for Ocean Life scientists. neaq.org/blogs pups to sharks pups, there are several Stream orphan rescued from chilly New England waters. At the time, it was no nurseries tucked behind the scenes at Ron, the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pup, sleeping like, well, a baby. the Aquarium where aquarists dotingly bigger in diameter than a quarter—so care for young animals. Even in our small that aquarists weren’t entirely main exhibits, there are some small sure what species of cowfish it was. but growing young ones that you can But you should see it today! The observe getting bigger at every visit— cowfish is about as big as an orange and who doesn’t love baby animals! Baby faces! Above: epaulette shark and really coming into its colorings. (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) Aquarists were able to positively identify Let’s meet a few of these little standouts. Top: honeycomb cowfish the fish as a honeycomb cowfish. (Acanthostracion polygonius) Ron, the Sea Lion Pup go into the exhibit are kept behind the Of course the biggest baby with all the Shark Pups scenes until they hatch. Who knew star power is Ron, the California sea A cornerstone of our Science of baby sharks could be so cute? lion pup. Born to Tipper in July 2017, Sharks exhibit is the shark life cycle Ron has been wooing visitors ever since area, which, of course, has to include he joined the fray in the New Balance babies. Wriggling shark embryos Cuttlefish Foundation Marine Mammal Center. are backlit in peephole tanks, while Maybe you have noticed during one of He spends his days barking and the adjacent domed display features your visits small black packets clinging sleeping, swimming and sleeping, and newborn coral catsharks cruising to the grassy habitat in the cuttlefish playing, feeding, and sleeping—and across the sandy bottom or epaulette exhibit. That’s a sign of happy cuttlefish he is incredibly charming. These days sharks crawling over rock structures. because happy cuttlefish couples lay he weighs more than 100 pounds, Many of these young sharks come eggs! Aquarists leave some of the ink- which might seem big, but he still has from breeding pairs that live behind filled eggs in the exhibit, while they aerate a lot of growing to do. Male California the scenes or in our Science of Sharks other eggs in special incubators behind sea lions can weigh 1,000 pounds! adult tank. The egg cases that don’t the scenes until they are ready to hatch. 8 9 members’ notes

Member-Favorite Sea Squirts Now Expanding! Be a Holiday Hero! For years, parents and their young long and include free play, art projects, children have loved Sea Squirts Preview games, and circle time. Upcoming series Whether you're going for fun, thoughtful, or enduring, the and Sea Squirts while learning together include Ocean Adventurers and Wicked Aquarium offers a wide array of gift ideas that will make an about our oceans. Now, we’re very excited Local Critters. impact on your loved ones—and the blue planet! to announce new opportunities to engage your little ocean stewards as they grow: Sea Squirts Advanced Sea Squirts Advanced and AquaSTEAM. Geared to children pre-K and K1 (ages 4 to 5 years), Sea Squirts Advanced Animal Encounters and Sea Squirts Preview features similar curriculum as Sea Squirts Specially designed for very young children for younger kids, but is scaled up for older Behind-the-Scenes tours— (ages 12 to 24 months), the Sea Squirts children. These classes are designed to these experiences are designed for those with a Preview program is a great introduction to deepen your child’s knowledge of the sense of adventure and an unquenchable curiosity. our Sea Squirts classes. Over the course oceans and the Aquarium, while having of four weeks, children will become more fun with his or her caregiver and other Sponsor a right whale— comfortable in a classroom setting and children of similar age. enhance learning and STEAM it’s not easy to wrap up a whale, but you can wrap parents will gain confidence in exploring (Science, Technology, Engineering, up a gift sponsorship to share all the wonders AquaSTEAM the Aquarium with your children outside Art, Mathematics) skills. The six- of these amazing animals and the work These after-school, drop-off classes for of class time. week session will culminate in a final being done to save them. children in kindergarten through Grade student-driven project. Sea Squirts 2 will follow a project-based learning In Sea Squirts classes, parents can learn model. Students will identify a problem For details about all Sea Squirts classes, Gift membership— more than a present, membership about the blue planet alongside their or question to solve and use tools and including the Sea Squirts Advanced or offers an entire year of education, young children (ages 2 to 4 years) as we information provided to explore the AquaSTEAM programs, visit neaq.org/learn, email Student Programs at [email protected], exploration, and awe. focus on developing motor, language, and issue, think through options, and present or call 617-226-2123. socialization skills while fine-tuning early possible solutions. Along the way, we will science skills. Regular classes are an hour use Aquarium exhibits to strategically Honor donations— the holiday season is the perfect time to make a donation to the Aquarium in honor of family or friends. Making Waves with The Tide In July, members of The Tide—the Aquarium’s Bundles of happy— Fin & Tonic turn every great Aquarium gift option into group of young supporters—enjoyed our second annual Cruise with The Tide, a sunset More than 1,000 guests a bundle of holiday joy by pairing it with a book, cruise around Boston Harbor. Attendees joined us for Fin & Tonic plush toy, piece of jewelry, or any of a thousand on August 23! It was a celebrated summer with light refreshments items from our Gift Shop. picture-perfect evening while taking in the city’s skyline, mingling on the waterfront, a terrific with fellow ocean stewards, and hearing from Learn more about all these holiday backdrop for learning more Aquarium educators as they shared their knowledge about our amazing volunteer gift ideas at neaq.org/gifts. about all the organisms that call our city’s harbor home. corps and all the great work If you’d like to learn more about The Tide or if you’re already a member the Aquarium is doing for our of The Tide looking to renew your membership, visit neaq.org/thetide. ocean. Thanks to Harpoon Brewery, the official tasting sponsor of this year’s event. Stay tuned to neaq.org/memberevents for this growing Aquarium favorite in 2019, the Aquarium’s 50th anniversary year!

10 11 October November Films Free Aquarium Evening Oceans 3D: Our Blue Planet 10/26 Lecture Series 11/27 40 minutes Fish, Fun, and Fright Halloween Party Giving Tuesday The glittering oceans 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. contain profound mysteries Thursday, Be part of this global day of giving by beneath the waves, and Join us for this special night each year at October 11 supporting the New England Aquarium. Oceans 3D: Our Blue Planet As a nonprofit organization, we depend reveals those breathtaking the Aquarium when it’s perfectly normal Searching for on the generosity of you, our members stories from the deep. … and heartily encouraged … to explore Ancient Life From athletic dolphins at and friends, to help power our mission. the Aquarium’s dark side. We’re packed on Mars play to a clever octopus to the gills with not-so-cuddly cuttlefish, Please make your tax-deductible hiding in plain sight, Fletcher explore the dramatic events less-than-cowardly lionfish, lean and John P. Grotzinger, Ph.D., contribution today and help ensure a Jones Professor of Geology; Ted and and intimate lives of the lurking moray eels, and so many other bright future for the oceans. Thank you! oceans most extraordinary Ginger Jenkins Leadership Chair, fascinating critters that help put the neaq.org/giving creatures. Through these encounters, we’ll also Division of Geological and Planetary discover how we all depend on the health of our oooooo in spooooooky. Creepy crawlies Sciences, California Institute of oceans, the largest environment on Earth. not your thing? That’s OK, we’ll have Technology plenty of family-friendly activities all Pandas 3D This is the eighth annual John evening long to keep your mind off the 39 minutes H. Carlson Lecture presented December ghosts and ghouls, including trick-and- Cute just got cuter with treat stations throughout the Aquarium, by Massachusetts Institute of cuddly panda cubs bumbling their way across our DJ’s dance party, and chances to Technology’s Lorenz Center and the New England Aquarium. Spiny sunstar (Crossaster papposus) in Northern Waters gallery New England’s largest win one of our coveted Costume screen in Pandas 3D! This Contest prizes. heartwarming story follows 12/2 an international team of Tickets go on sale for Premium members at Thursday, Premium-Exclusive Holiday Breakfast scientists as they prepare to noon on Tuesday, October 2, and for Standard 12/27 12/31 November 8 begins at 8 a.m. release a fluffy captive-born members at noon on Wednesday, October 3, Dive In! A Member-Exclusive Evening Last Chance–2018 ends at midnight panda cub in China’s misty mountain wilds. Track at neaq.org/memberevents. Diplomacy and Start your Sunday morning with a trip 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. each charming challenge and success in stunning Intrigue in the Arctic to the Aquarium and enjoy a relaxing Don’t let 2018 pass you by! Make your IMAX footage, one paw-step at a time. New this year, we’ll be offering a David Balton, break from the hectic holiday season. This holiday season give yourself the tax-deductible donation to the New limited number of public tickets New Senior Fellow, Avoid the crowds and join us for a light present of a Central Wharf visit and England Aquarium before the clock Galapagos 3D: starting Monday, October 15— Nature’s Woodrow Wilson International Center breakfast before visiting our penguins, check in on your favorite marine animals strikes 12. $20 … $50 … $100 or more so tell your friends! Wonderland for Scholars; Former Ambassador for turtles, sharks, and other favorite or discover some new ones. Unwind with … every dollar really does make a fellow Aquarium members after the difference. Please give what you can 39 minutes Oceans and Fisheries, U.S. Department animals­—with a festive flair. Stop by Take the trip of a lifetime of State the Gift Shop for holiday gifts and take school vacation week crowds have left and help us continue protecting the with Galapagos 3D: advantage of your member discount. for the day. blue planet in 2019 and beyond. Nature’s Wonderland. The Aquarium has been providing Thank you from all of us, and have Watch iguanas claw their This popular event is free, and no free lectures and films by scientists, Reservations, which are required, open a happy new year! way along the seafloor. environmental writers, photographers, at noon on Wednesday, November 7, advance registration is required. Swim with tropical and others since 1972 through the at neaq.org/memberevents. Attendance is strictly limited to the neaq.org/donate penguins. generosity of the Lowell Institute. number of admissions permitted with Not a Premium member? Call the Lectures are open to the public, your membership level. Standard 4 members and above receive a select but registration is requested. Membership Department at 617-973-6555 to upgrade and start enjoying great number of one-time-use IMAX e-passes, and all neaq.org/memberevents Giving Society members receive discounts on Visit us online for the happenings like this. ticket prices! full schedule. Tickets Purchase member tickets at any Aquarium ticketing location or by phone at 617-973-5200. Films, neaq.org/aquariumlectures prices, and showtimes are subject to change. Rentals Private screening and facility rentals, call 617-720-5104. Coming in Parties IMAX birthday parties, call 617-973-6508. January Check neaq.org for a complete Sign Up for SeaMail list of films and showtimes! Get ready! Member With insider information, member alerts, and behind-the-scene stories, registration for Harbor SeaMail is the best way to stay in the know throughout your membership year. Discoveries camps Sign up at neaq.org/SeaMail and never miss out! begins in January 2019. 12 13 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Boston, MA Permit 1113

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2019 is the Aquarium's 50th Anniversary! ™ Be part of the celebration by sharing It’s time to live blue your member memories with us. neaq.org/memberstories

20.3M/RD

Join us for a member-exclusive, family-friendly evening at the Aquarium. Dive In! Thursday, December 27 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Members’ Magazine Meet Our New President, Bring your friends and family to discover the Aquarium after the vacation crowds have left for the day. Details inside. Volume 51, Number 4 Fall 2018 Vikki Spruill