Monsters in the Making

MONSTERS IN THE MAKING

SUMMER 2020 / VOLUME 68 FROM THE PRESIDENT Aquarium News How does the Aquarium plan to celebrate its 20th birthday?

By opening the biggest present of all – our doors to the public! We BOARD OF DIRECTORS are so excited to welcome our members and friends back soon, so you Chairman John Neely can rediscover the Aquarium and get reacquainted with your favorite Jonathan M. Zucker Missy Sauls animals like Caretta, our resident loggerhead sea turtle, and Liberty, Scott Snider Co-Vice Chairmen Nina Sossamon-Pogue our American bald eagle. John A. Hill Peter Stonefield Pete Sniderman James H. “Jeddie” Suddeth III Please know that we are taking every precaution to create a safe Treasurer Emily Swanson environment for all who visit, including limiting the number of guests J. Donald Higgins Pam Wilson Director Emeritus David Wood who can enter, providing ample sanitizer and ongoing disinfection Tom Wright and requiring our team to wear masks and undergo daily health Vice Treasurer George Watt Chairmen Emeriti assessments. James L. Ferguson* Secretary Kenneth “Ken” Seeger Deirdre Fortson Hilton C. Smith, Jr. Twenty years ago, we could not have foreseen the global pandemic M. William that would require us to close down for two months along with the Members Youngblood, Esq. Jessica Brewer Jerry Zucker* rest of society. It has been a sobering reminder of the value of science Elizabeth Colbert- and the importance of planning resiliently for the future. We will need Busch Directors Emeriti Larry Colshan Pat Conroy* to contend with ongoing concerns like climate change and sea level Peter Conway John Danahy rise with a similar rigor and investment in scientific inquiry. Robert C. Crawford III William A. Finn John Danahy Bruce Hecker Anthony S. Dixon, J. Donald Higgins Even as our doors were closed to the public, our work behind the Ed.D Sheila Hodges Steve Dudash Peatsy Hollings* scenes and in the field continued. Our more than 5,000 animals Steve Durkee Kate Jerome continued to receive expert care, nutrition and enrichment. Clark Gillespy Robert R. Macdonald W. Andrew Gowder, Jr. Layton McCurdy, M.D. Rehabilitated sea turtle patients were returned to the ocean, and new Steve Gray The Honorable Robert patients have been admitted in their place. Our STEM education has Dwayne Green E. McNair* Jim Hansen Mary Alice Monroe Remembering Robert March to a Million Leadership Gift Creates continued to stream into homes and classrooms around the world. And Heather Hodges The Honorable Ripple Effect our conservation work, from plastic pollution clean-up to saltmarsh Mason Holland Richard W. Riley In April, we lost a beloved member The South Carolina Aquarium is thrilled Valerie Howell Victor Samra, Jr.* to be on the “march to a million” in the research, has not missed a beat. David Johnston Catherine Smith of our Aquarium family, Robert Sears, In a time filled with uncertainty, we’re Satch Krantz Theodore Stern* to COVID-19. Litter-free Digital Journal, a project found fortunate to have board members Daniel E. Martin, Jr. in the South Carolina Aquarium Citizen That’s not all. As you will read within this issue, a few members of our Gary McLaurin steadfast in their support and willing Robert volunteered as an exhibit guide team have spent the past couple of months preparing for something Tripp Meares *deceased Science app. During the month of April, to lead us through these uncharted for more than a decade and quickly entirely new – “Monsters: From Micro to Mega,” a stunning temporary we continued to honor our commitment waters. In response to the COVID-19 became known for his big personality experience that will fully open on July 4. The natural world will never to ensure a healthy future for our state. pandemic, Aquarium supporters Pam and TRIBUTARIES STAFF and passion for the Aquarium. You may quite look the same after you experience this up-close look at the Citizen scientists, people from the public Michael Wilson committed a leadership EDITORIAL STAFF have spotted him walking around in his weird, the wonderful and the truly wild. who participate in scientific research, gift of $150,000, which set into motion Kayla Halchak, Membership Manager iconic hammerhead shark hat, which engaged in solo sweeps throughout their [email protected] a wave of support from fellow board over the years earned him the title of Your membership is a critical investment in our mission and our future. communities and contributed data to members, our community and beyond. Emmalee Hinson, Membership Coordinator “shark king.” Thank you for standing with us during these challenging times, and we [email protected] help inform future solutions for plastic look forward to repaying you with gratitude on your next visit to the pollution. Our goal is to document the When the pandemic ultimately passes, Stephanie King, Editor & Staff Writer “There wasn’t a more loving and more Aquarium! one millionth piece of litter removed the world beyond our walls will [email protected] caring person than Robert,” says Meghan from South Carolina’s environment grow considerably in response to the Galipeau, the Aquarium’s education Danielle Raub, Staff Writer by our citizen scientists in 2020. generosity of Pam and Michael Wilson. [email protected] volunteer coordinator. “He had a very big Two years ago, the Wilsons made a personality and an even bigger heart.” Sarah Burnheimer, Staff Writer During April, we were able to remove generous gift that enabled us to spread [email protected] over 30,000 pieces of litter from our plastic pollution awareness throughout The Aquarium family will always Kat Wille, Staff Writer state’s neighborhoods and communities. the Lowcountry. With this new wave of [email protected] remember Robert, and we are all so That brings us to 800,000 total pieces support, we will be able to significantly Kevin Mills, President and CEO thankful for his 11 years of volunteering DESIGN STAFF of debris logged in the app. This is a expand the Aquarium’s reach into all Hannah Zickmund, Graphic Design Manager in service of the Aquarium, our members great reminder that amazing things can areas of the state through “Pam and [email protected] and our guests. come out of difficult times. Together, Michael Wilson Plastic-Free Waters.” Davis Foster, Graphic Designer we can make a difference on our [email protected] “He loved the Aquarium, and we loved This program will help mitigate plastic #MarchtoaMillion. him,” said Galipeau. “We were so lucky pollution impacts through outreach, Membership Department [email protected] to have him. He really made an impact Download the South Carolina Aquarium community engagement and conservation (843) 579-8518 on everyone he met.” Citizen Science app, available in the fieldwork across South Carolina. Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. App Store or Google Play. 3 What’s Happening LEGEND: MEMBERS ONLY / PUBLIC EVENT Programs and schedule are subject to change. The Aquarium will follow CDC and government guidelines to make decisions surrounding COVID-19. Please check our website calendar or member Facebook group for the most up-to-date schedule of programs. Program registration opens six weeks in advance for most programs.

SEINING BOOK CLUB: THE NATURE FIX JUNE 25 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Melton Peter Demetre Park JULY 21 · 6 – 8 p.m. · Aquarium JULY 7 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Daniel Island Park JULY 23 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Folly Beach Join the South Carolina Aquarium for another night of Member AUGUST 6 · 6 – 7:30 p.m. · Daniel Island Park Book Club! Grab a glass of wine, make new friends and discuss “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams. Williams travels across the Assist Aquarium staff as we search the sand and water for aquatic creatures using seine globe to examine the physical, psychological and medical benefits of nets, shovels and strainers. Educators will give you a glimpse into the fascinating lives time spent outdoors. Be sure to pick up the book before the event. of fish, crabs and other beach dwellers before they are released. $10 per member. Event is free for members. Ages 21+. Reservations required; Reservations required; to reserve, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). to reserve, call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

HORSESHOE CRABS 101 THE LITTLE GYM JUNE 21 · 7:30 – 9 p.m. · Aquarium AUGUST 4 · 10 – 10:30 a.m. · Aquarium

Did you know that horseshoe crabs aren’t really crabs at all? This Father’s Day, learn more The Little Gym helps lay the foundation for children to become coordinated, about this prehistoric animal and potentially witness a mass spawning event. Learn more confident and involved little people through activities such as warm-ups to about the medical importance of horseshoe crabs as we welcome special guests from directive music, tumbling and more! Recommended for ages 2-5. Free for Charles River Laboratories. Recommended for ages 10+. $5 per member. members. Registration opens one month in advance, and space is limited. Reservations required; to reserve, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). Reservations required; to reserve, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). MEET THE KEEPER: DOLPHINS DANCE MOVES JUNE 28 · 10:30 a.m. – Noon · Aquarium AUGUST 6 · 10 – 10:30 a.m. · Aquarium Join dolphin researcher, Meghan Galipeau, and learn all about our favorite local marine mammal – Join us for a fun and energetic class from Dance Moves of Charleston! the bottlenose dolphin! Discover dolphin basics as well as how we study dolphins in their natural Explore basic ballet moves, warm-ups and stretches, movements across habitat. Recommended for ages 6 and up. $5 per member participant; chaperones attend free. the floor, jumping and turning. Boys and girls ages 2-6 are welcome. To register, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). Comfortable clothing or dance attire recommended. Free for members. DISCOVERY TRAWL Registration opens one month in advance, and space is limited. JULY 9 · 10 – 11:30 a.m. & 1 – 2:30 p.m. · Maritime Center Reservations required; to reserve, call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

Take a one-of-a-kind boat tour in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural ADULT MEET THE KEEPER: GOLIATH GROUPER Resources (SCDNR). We’ll embark on SCDNR’s educational vessel, Discovery, located at the AUGUST 9 · 3 – 4:30 p.m. · Aquarium Charleston Maritime Center, and explore the wildlife in the Aquarium’s “backyard” by trawling in the Charleston Harbor. Ages 10 and up. $15 per member. Reservations are required; please Join us for a special Meet the Keeper program for adults only! indicate your desired tour time (10 - 11:30 a.m. or 1 - 2:30 p.m.). To reserve, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). Aquarist Samantha Porzelt will introduce us to her work behind the scenes and how she maintains the health of our resident goliath TADPOLE EXPLORERS grouper, Mel. You’ll also learn about an innovative medical technique JULY 11 · 8 – 9 a.m. · Aquarium used to save Mel’s life. Ages 18+. $5 per member; space is limited. To register, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). Guests from ages 1-3 get the Aquarium all to themselves! Enjoy stations in the Lower Ocean Gallery, including coloring, animal encounters and foam block MONSTERS AFTER DARK building. Snacks, coffee and muffins will be provided. $10 per member child; AUGUST 11 · 7 – 8:30 p.m. · Folly Beach two adults free per child. Reservations required; to reserve, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). From ghost crabs to skeleton shrimp, the beach is filled with “monsters” after dark. Even the smallest creatures have a big role to play in the YOGA ON THE HARBOR environment. Grab your flashlights, pull on your boots and join our staff JULY 18 & AUGUST 22 · 8 – 9 a.m. · Aquarium for this guided night walk. Recommend for ages 8+. $5 per member; space is limited. To register, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). Begin your day with a peaceful yoga/movement class on the Aquarium terrace with the beautiful backdrop of the Charleston Harbor. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this event is for you. Bring your mat and water bottle and join us for this all-levels yoga class SCAQUARIUM.ORG/CALENDAR led by instructor Colleen Geis. In the case of inclement weather, we will move to the Great Ocean Tank Gallery. Ages 18+. Member price is $8. There’s always more to explore To reserve, call (843) 577-FISH (3474). “Monsters: From Micro to Mega” is coming to the Aquarium in July! After saying farewell to BricksALIVE in January, our exhibits team has been hard at work creating the next amazing Aquarium experience, “Monsters.” In the midst of the pandemic, a small team of masked makers has continued creating sculptures and scenes from scratch! With parts of the exhibit unveiling as soon as we reopen to the public, “Monsters” will be seen throughout multiple Aquarium galleries. But don’t let the name fool you, not all monsters are big and scary. This exhibit will feature everything from the micro monsters found in your own backyard to the mega monsters of oceans, both past and present. FROM MICRO TO MEGA

f the millions of species on the planet, why did the Aquarium team choose to feature monsters? O From being tucked into the blades of grass all around us to being hidden miles below the ocean’s surface, South Carolina (including the waters off our coast) is home to amazing, unique species. “Monsters” gives us a chance to examine these species up close and learn more about their important roles in the ecosystem. This is also a chance to celebrate species that may normally not get the attention of main exhibits at many institutions. No matter how small, 1. 2. 3. 4. large, grotesque or beautiful they may be, each of our featured monsters is vital to the life we live.

Members in particular will love this new exhibit! As Kevin Kampwerth, director of Aquarium experience, puts it, Meet the Makers “Members will love walking through galleries they’ve been through dozens of times and seeing them in a whole new 1. Kevin Kampwerth, Director of Aquarium Experience | With the Aquarium for 13 years. Favorite part of creating light.” Rather than a dedicated single space for the new “Monsters”: “Designing the overall experience is always my favorite. Part of my process is walking around the empty spaces exhibit, “Monsters” will be featured throughout the entire and visualizing how people will interact with the exhibit. I’m sure I look a little off-kilter when I’m gesturing to exhibits that Aquarium, with new interactive opportunities, photo spots have yet to be built. My other favorite is a 30-foot giant squid made out of recycled single-use plastic bottles.” and more. Examine a preserved specimen under a microscope, walk through the jaws of a larger-than-life 2. Brian Thill, Director of Education | With the Aquarium for 14 years. Favorite part of creating “Monsters”: “I enjoy the anglerfish or make a silly face in our new horseshoe crab creative brainstorms with colleagues and figuring out the best museum methodology to interpret the chosen themes photo station! From the budding scientist in elementary to our audiences.” school to the most experienced, retired professional, “Monsters” is a gateway to exploration of species you 3. Nigel Bowers, Exhibit Designer | With the Aquarium for 20 years. Favorite part of creating “Monsters”: “The whole creative may have never seen before! This thrilling exhibition process is fun and using new materials and learning new techniques is hugely rewarding. I’m loving the is sure to wow Aquarium visitors of all ages. anglerfish build.” 4. Jonathan Ivey, Exhibit Specialist | With the Aquarium for 10.5 years. Favorite part of creating “Monsters”: “My favorite part in creating “Monsters” has been sculpting these animals from various materials and making them come to life with creepy movements.” To learn more about the exhibit as it comes to life, visit scaquarium.org/monsters.

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March 6 The public was made aware of expanded efforts to stop the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, including increased disinfection of high-touch areas and new hand washing stations.

March 15 The Aquarium made the difficult, but proactive, call to remain closed to the public through March 31. An Emergency Relief Fund was created to help the Aquarium survive through this extended closure.

The Aquarium has many essential duties to uphold, even in the March 18 case of a global pandemic. Animal care for our more than 5,000 “Virtual Visits” began on the Aquarium’s creatures will always be a top priority. The husbandry team Facebook page to keep the public and sorted into groups to cover all shifts, limiting the chance for members engaged and learning. STEM- cross-contamination of germs between staff members. Teams based lessons, Family Nature Challenges divided to ensure proper care and veterinary access for the entire and virtual member programming Aquarium, including the Sea Turtle Care Center™. became our way of digitally delivering our vision of connecting people with Following the latest protocols from the Association of Zoos and water, wildlife and wild places. Aquariums (AZA), as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on-site staff took extra precautions to take care of our animal residents and to take care of one another. While March 20 gloves were already protocol, all on-site employees were now With positive cases of COVID-19 required to wear masks and adhere to the six-feet social spreading across the country and distancing standard. now appearing in South Carolina, the Aquarium announced it would Even though these new restrictions and protocols often remain closed to the public through meant longer hours, increased on-site duties and added stress, the month of April. Other than essential the Aquarium team rose to the challenge and ensured all animals team members needed on-site for received the world-class care they deserve. We also kept the Sea animal care, building operations and Turtle Care Center open to receive injured and sick turtles, should virtual education, staff were told to the need arise. practice self-isolation and work remotely. Although the struggle is far from over, things are looking up for the Aquarium, and our entire staff is keeping a positive mindset moving forward. We want to take a moment to thank you, our members, for CLOSED, March 26 supporting us through these unprecedented times. The Aquarium The City of Charleston was put under would not be what it is today without your love and generosity! But Still Caring a “Home or Work” order, meaning on-site staff was cut down even further. To stay connected to our audience, education team members filmed segments from their own backyards and member programming featured local businesses streaming into our member Facebook group. Our Response to COVID-19 Now The senior leadership team of the If you would like to help, Just weeks ago, the weather was warming up, the buzz of spring break activities was in the air and the Aquarium was Aquarium meets virtually daily to please consider donating to gearing up for the start of a busy spring and summer season. That quickly changed, however, when COVID-19 entered the assess best practices for our “new our Emergency Relief Fund. United States. The Aquarium faced one of its greatest challenges yet: keeping up operations, animal care, education and normal” as we reopen. The health and Donations can be made at more during a global pandemic. safety of guests, staff and animals scaquarium.org/relief. 10 remains top priority. 11 Spring Training ( Sea Turtle Care Center™ ( All American Bald Eagle Spring training is in full swing at the Aquarium, and we’ve got some home runs happening all around! Training is an integral aspect in the care of many of our animals, enabling us to work cooperatively and build up trust with them in ways that benefit their health and well-being.

Liberty recently mastered an important milestone on her training journey. The “season” for this training goal actually began back in the fall, when animal behaviorist Annemarie started working with her on station training. Station training is when an animal learns (through training cues) to go to a predetermined spot and remain there until cued off. We wanted to teach Liberty to station on a wooden placeholder (resembling home plate) that could then be placed on a scale for weight checks or around her exhibit if we needed to access certain areas.

Annemarie began her training with Liberty using classical conditioning to pair the sound of a clicker with a food reward. Once Liberty made the association, she switched to operant conditioning to teach Liberty a new behavior: every time Liberty glanced at home plate, Annemarie would click and provide a food reward. To make it to “first base,” Liberty needed to complete this first step, known as an approximation in the training world. Climate Change Goes Viral Liberty made it to “second base” and “third base” after completing a few more steps: step closer, touch a toe, touch a now confirmed cases in South Carolina’s constantly learning from it in hopes whole foot, station in the center with two feet, stay still for a waters. Why? of better understanding the virus. duration of time, etc. Liberty hit a home run when she learned to THE SURPRISING WAY fully stand, or station, on home plate when asked by her trainer. It could be due to climate change and While we still have much to learn about RISING SEA increasing ocean temperatures. In the connection between rising sea recent years, the rate of ocean warming temperatures and FP, facilities like the STAY TUNED ON LIBERTY’S NEXT GOAL IN HER TRAINING JOURNEY; TEMPERATURES COULD has doubled, resulting in a widespread Sea Turtle Care Center and Whitney IN THE MEANTIME, HERE ARE ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF OUR STARTING LINEUP: change in ocean chemistry. As our South Laboratory are doing everything we AFFECT Carolina water temperatures increase, can to learn more about the disease, its so could the prevalence of FP. life-cycle, transmission and effect on SEA TURTLES marine animal health, especially in light Here at the Sea Turtle Care Center, of climate change. we’ve seen an uptick of FP cases in our sea turtle patients, including Bailey We all know the effects of climate (admitted in 2014), Flower (2016), Pearl change on wildlife are far-reaching, (2017), Luna Lovegood (2018), Professor HOW CAN YOU HELP? from imperiled ecosystems to habitat McGonagall (2018) and Timon (2019). loss. But did you know that climate Fortunately, we’ve caught the majority Driving less or carpooling, change can have an effect on wildlife of FP cases in the early stages, making switching to energy-efficient disease as well? it easier to reverse the disease. During appliances and adding more treatment, Care Center staff cool vegetables and less meat to This is the case with fibropapillomatosis the tank water while Dr. Shane uses your diet are just some of the (FP), a virus that affects sea turtles and cryotherapy to freeze the tumors until many ways you can reduce causes internal and external tumors. the turtle’s immune system can act. your carbon footprint and help These tumors are ultimately debilitating lessen the widespread impact of because they can obstruct crucial Further down the coast, our friends at climate change on sea turtles functions such as swimming, sight, the University of Florida’s Sea Turtle and other wildlife. LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE – GOLIATH GROUPER – Mel has AMERICAN ALLIGATOR – To avoid buoyancy and feeding. For years, this Hospital at Whitney Laboratory treat Ever seen Caretta’s crate? She’s mastered target training; he’s learned competition for food, our alligators problem has mostly been confined to patients with more advanced FP. Their learned that entering her crate a fishy treat is waiting when he nears each “station” in their designated warmer climates where FP thrives, like lab is equipped to house and study equates to dinnertime! his underwater target. spots for feedings. Florida and Hawaii. However, there are turtles with severe FP, and they are 13 A Journey to 20 Years ... and Plans for Beyond

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the South Carolina Aquarium. On May 19, 2000 the Aquarium opened its doors to the public with the vision of inspiring wonder and appreciation for, and fostering conservation of, the environment for future generations. While our guiding principles remain constant, the impacts we’ve made, what we’ve accomplished, and the joy and wonder the South Carolina Aquarium has brought to our visitors and students of all ages has surpassed just about everyone’s expectations.

Conservation is at the core of what we do. What began with one sea turtle and a kiddie pool has turned into nearly 300 sea turtles rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Community members have now become citizen scientists, participating in clean-up efforts, contributing data, and evoking positive change for a healthier world.

When we opened our doors, we started with a master plan for education. Schoolchildren connected with water, wildlife and wild places through the Structured School Program. Now, education has expanded beyond Thank you for being part of our journey. radical transformation of Liberty Square come to fruition. With your continued our walls with distance learning Whether you’re just starting out with us into a daily destination, the creation of support, we will deliver life-changing programming, allowing us to virtually or have been with us for years, it is your a waterfront walkway that seamlessly education and conservation messages meet kids in their own classrooms, support and belief in this organization connects our city’s east peninsula to to communities across the globe, and regardless of their location in the world. that has made great things possible. the Battery and a freshly reimagined we will present a newly conceived and Thank you for enabling us to be our exhibition space on our facility’s first unforgettable experience to every guest best in service of our mission, and for floor. we serve. affirming our mutual commitment to water, wildlife and wild places. The cornerstone of the Landmark plan is the opening of the Learning Now it’s time to introduce you to Lab at the Maritime Center, a STEM Landmark, our 5-year plan for the education facility located directly on the To support our work through Special exhibits such as Madagascar powerful realization of what is possible. waterfront that will connect students of Journey and Penguin Planet, among an individual, planned, corporate others, have taken guests into places all ages with working scientists and the or foundation gift, please call far past South Carolina. In that space Transparency with our loyal members natural and human activity animating our Advancement office that once housed these, there now is of utmost importance to us. the harbor. at (843) 579-8595 or email lives a world-class, state-of-the-art The Landmark vision was created in a [email protected]. Sea Turtle Care Center™, enabling us pre-COVID-19 world, and while our goals When we recover from the immense to bring guests on the journey of a sea turtle from the beginning. remain the same, the timelines may be financial hardship faced during our shifting over the next few years. extended closure, we are looking forward to continuing our planning and

14 Our Landmark journey will see the work to see the entire Landmark vision 15 Conservation Matters

The Climate-Friendly Challenge is Coming

Climate change. Separate, these words hold mundane meaning; together, they tend to hold fear, uncertainty and the notion that nothing we do may make enough of an impact. Climate change impacts are recognizable through a variety of ways, like rising seas, extreme weather patterns, routine flooding and habitat loss for wildlife. However, we’ve also seen what a community can accomplish. Right now is our chance to address climate change and start working towards solution-driven actions and dialogue.

Starting on World Oceans Day (June 8), we invite you to participate in the Climate-Friendly Challenge with us. This 13-week challenge will give you the opportunity to make one change each week in an effort to lessen your carbon footprint, ultimately becoming climate-friendly! Afterwards, we hope you’ll consider what worked best for your household and continue being climate-friendly by adopting some of these lifestyle changes long-term.

We all can make a difference and determine what type of world we want to leave for future generations. The solution is in our hands. Sign up today to be a part of the Climate-Friendly Challenge at scaquarium.org/climatefriendlychallenge.