Ocean Fun Meets Conservation: New York Aquarium’s Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend Starting June 6

Three-day celebration honors World Ocean Day and National Oceans Month with family-friendly activities

On Friday, June 6, visitors are also invited to join a Coney Island Beach Sweep

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Dive into a sea of fun at the New York Aquarium for Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend, a three-day event celebrating the vital role oceans play in our lives and promoting actions to protect marine ecosystems.

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(Credit © WCS)

The event runs June 6-8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., coinciding with World Ocean Day (June 8) and National Oceans Month. Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend festivities are included with New York Aquarium admission and free for members.

“Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend gives visitors a chance to connect with marine life in meaningful ways while learning how they can be champions for our oceans,” said Leigh Ann Clayton, Director of the New York Aquarium. “This immersive celebration offers families a perfect opportunity to splash into summer while developing a deeper appreciation for our blue planet and the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves.”

Established by the United Nations in 2008, World Ocean Day highlights critical issues like ocean pollution, overfishing, climate change, and the importance of sustainable ocean practices. Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend aims to unite visitors in cherishing and protecting our ocean ecosystems for future generations.

The New York Aquarium is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which conducts marine conservation programs across the world, including in the NY Bight, which spans from Cape May NJ to Montauk.

The weekend will feature a variety of special activities throughout the aquarium that are all included with admission:

• Sea Lions in the Big City: Watch the live-animal show, “Sea Lions in the Big City” at the Aquatheater, showcasing the special bonds between these charismatic marine mammals and their trainers at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:00pm.
• Penguin Chat: Waddle to Sea Cliffs to observe penguin feedings while learning about amazing penguin adaptations and conservation efforts at 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Ocean parade: Be part of the Shell-a-bration by joining a festive procession through the Aquarium, showing support for our marine environment at 12:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Wildlife Theater: Dance and sing along while learning the importance of our oceans with a performance of the “Ocean Song!” at 12 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.
• Collaborative Art: Add your personal touch to a huge World Oceans Day mural, and color your own fish and then watch them swim in a digital seascape.
• Costumed Characters: Keep an eye out for costumed marine friends throughout the day

WCS Members receive free access, though tickets are required. Land & Sea Membership includes admission to the New York Aquarium, Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo and helps WCS provide for animals in New York and worldwide. Explore membership options.

On Friday, June 6, visitors are also invited to join a Coney Island Beach Sweep on the boardwalk in front of the aquarium. After exploring the exhibits, meet up from 3:00–5:00 p.m. to help clean up the beach, a perfect way to spend the day with marine life and protect their ocean home.

Follow the New York Aquarium on social media channels for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

About the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world’s largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth’s known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. It’s four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium) welcome more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org. Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: +1 (347) 840-1242. Listen to the WCS Wild Audio podcast HERE.

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