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Transmedia: SeaWorld Pictures’ "Turtle: The Incredible Journey" hits US theaters as SeaWorld San Diego opens Turtle Reef attraction

Judith Rubin
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Turtle: The Incredible Journey – Trailer from Rockfish on Vimeo.

Blue-carpet premiere and rescued turtle release kick off summer movie launch
 
ORLANDO, Fla., The weekend of June 24, 2011, SeaWorld Pictures and Hannover House launched “Turtle: The Incredible Journey,” an award-winning film that follows the life and migration of a loggerhead turtle from hatchling to maturity. The movie opened June 24 in New York, Los Angeles and cities with SeaWorld parks (Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio), and is expected to expand to 50 markets and 300 to 400 theaters over the next two months.

“Turtle: The Incredible Journey” opened the same week as SeaWorld San Diego’s Turtle Reef, a new attraction that showcases this extraordinary species through a 300,000-gallon aquarium with a massive underwater viewing gallery, a touch-screen interactive tracking map and a new ride.

Festivities to celebrate the launch included a star-studded “blue carpet” premiere and gala at SeaWorld San Diego for 700 VIP guests including 42 celebrities and professional athletes as well as SeaWorld’s feathered, furry and finned friends. Bringing to life the film’s mission of sea turtle conservation awareness, narrator Miranda Richardson and director Nick Stringer also assisted SeaWorld in returning to the ocean a rescued sea turtle that had undergone a 16-month rehabilitation at SeaWorld’s rescue facility.

To create “Turtle: The Incredible Journey,” Stringer’s documentary team follows the loggerhead turtle on an adventure of more than 9,000 miles guided only by instinct. The loggerhead turtle, a threatened species, has one of the longest and most difficult migratory patterns of any marine animal: Sea turtles newly hatched on the East Coast of the United States (usually in Florida) make their way from the sand into the ocean, and then begin a voyage that can span the entire Atlantic Ocean, only to return decades later to that same beach. Stringer and his camera crew spent two years following loggerhead turtles on their trips across the ocean, and have captured on film the remarkable life cycle of a beautiful creature that struggles to survive in an increasingly unforgiving environment. The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Miranda Richardson, and will be released to theaters in both standard theatrical formats as well as 3D in selected locations.

A complete listing of theaters, and the film’s trailer, can be viewed on the film’s official website: www.Turtle-Film.com

HANNOVER HOUSE
Hannover House has been active in DVD distribution since 2002. The company added theatrical distribution operations last year with the release of the documentary “Racing Dreams” and the thriller “Twelve” to theaters nationwide. During 2011, Hannover House is scheduled to release eight films to theaters in America, with 36 titles slated for home video release.

SEAWORLD PICTURES
SeaWorld Pictures was formed in April 2011 to create and distribute original and partner-produced film content that advances the company’s mission to “celebrate, connect and care for the natural world we share through the power of entertainment.” SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group, owns and operates 10 parks that play host to 23 million guests each year and employs 20,000 people nationwide. A global leader in animal care and conservation, the company cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. They have rescued more than 18,000 orphaned, injured or ill animals over the past four decades and contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship programs worldwide. The company operates three SeaWorld parks; Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando, Adventure Island in Tampa, Water Country USA in Williamsburg and Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa. near Philadelphia.

Miami Seaquarium Hosts Pirates Weekend

Judith Rubin
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Miami Seaquarium is offering a heap of adventures for the whole family with Pirates Weekend. From Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4, 2011, the first 150 children each day will receive a swashbuckling gift and those sporting their favorite pirate garb will pay only $10 plus tax for admission with a paid adult. Those who complete Davy Jones’ treasure hunt are in for an especially sweet treat. The park also will feature guest appearances by Salty, its resident pirate, before the exhilarating pirate high wire show.

Pirates Weekend is a part of the “Swashbuckling Summer” program. Running all summer long, the program features exciting daily high wire acts by the pillaging “Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean,” a Giant Water Slide that is over 25 feet tall and a Pirate Skeleton Walk with friendly pirates that are guaranteed to put a smile on kid’s faces. Guests should also prepare to hit the deck as Pirates take over the Top Deck Dolphin Show.

“Every season, we’re excited to bring new and energizing themes to the park,” commented Andrew Hertz, general manager at Miami Seaquarium. “Pirates Weekend is a great way to kick off the summer.”

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida’s most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. For more information on Miami Seaquarium, please call 305-361-5705 or visit www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

2011 Asian Attractions Expo Announces Awards – Singapore wins big

Judith Rubin
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2011 Asian Attractions Award Winners

Large Attraction: Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
 
Medium Attraction: Singapore Cable Car, Mount Grand Faber, Singapore

Small Attraction: Sentosa 4D Magix, Singapore

Theme Park: Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore

Waterpark: Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia

Wildlife Park: Singapore Zoological Garden Wildlife Park, Singapore

Grand Winner: Singapore Cable Car, Mount Grand Faber, Singapore

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company to Host Coaster Marathon to Benefit Give Kids The World

Judith Rubin
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Snowy shot of Shivering Timbers roller coaster at Michigan’s Adventure

SANDUSKY, Ohio, June 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN) announced today that amusement park enthusiasts across the country will have the chance again this summer to ride roller coasters for a cause. On Sunday, July 24, all 11 of the company’s amusement parks will participate in the third annual “Coasting for Kids” fundraiser. This marathon roller coaster event will help raise money for Give Kids The World (GKTW), a Central Florida non-profit resort that provides cost-free, weeklong vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Park fans and roller coaster aficionados alike are invited to spend the day riding a signature thrill ride while making a difference in the lives of children. Featured rides include the legendary Magnum XL-200 and Gemini roller coasters at Cedar Point, Shivering Timbers at Michigan’s Adventure, Jaguar at Knott’s Berry Farm, the Racer at Kings Island and many more.

“‘Coasting for Kids’ is one of our favorite events,” said Bryan Edwards, spokesperson for Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. “In just two years, we have raised more than $40,000 for Give Kids The World and we are hoping to double that number this year.”

Interested participants can sign up and create an individual fundraising page on the “Coasting for Kids” website. Businesses or groups can also help raise money for Give Kids The World by signing up as a team. Entrants will receive complimentary admission to the park of their choice, a “Coasting for Kids” t-shirt and unlimited rides on the event’s featured attraction. Each park will also offer additional event perks unique to their location. Those that take part are encouraged to reach out to their families, friends and communities to support them in this fundraising event for Give Kids The World.

“We are thrilled that Cedar Fair Entertainment Company is hosting ‘Coasting for Kids’ for the third year in a row,” said GKTW President Pamela Landwirth. “Riding roller coasters to raise money for children in need is one of the most fun ways a family can spend a summer day. The support we receive from this event will help GKTW continue its mission to create magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses.”

“Coasting for Kids” will take place at Cedar Point (Ohio); Kings Island (Ohio); Canada’s Wonderland (Ontario, Canada); Dorney Park (Pa.); Valleyfair (Minn.); Michigan’s Adventure (Mich.); Kings Dominion (Va.); Carowinds (N.C.); Worlds of Fun (Mo.); Knott’s Berry Farm (Calif.); and California’s Great America (Calif.).

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company 
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: “FUN”) is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. The Company, which owns and operates 11 amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels, is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California under a management contract. Cedar Fair’s flagship park, Cedar Point, has been consistently voted the “Best Amusement Park in the World” in a prestigious annual poll conducted by Amusement Today newspaper.

About Give Kids The World:
Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a 70-acre, non-profit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 107,000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.

Electrosonic Designs and Installs New Audio and Video Systems for Renovated Berth 93 at the Port of Los Angeles World Cruise Center

Judith Rubin
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Burbank, California USA (June 23, 2011) – As part of a multi-million dollar renovation of the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles, Electrosonic has designed a new audio, video and show control system, crafted digital signage, created a kids-friendly videowall and installed a zoned sound and paging system.

The Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest cruise ports on the West Coast, with Disney Cruise Line and other major cruise lines calling at the World Cruise Center. Electrosonic was tasked with the design of an audio, video and show control system that would meet the needs of the Port of Los Angeles and the cruise lines operating out of Berth 93. Once the design was approved by all parties, Electrosonic engineered, manufactured, installed and programmed the new system.

“One of the main challenges was scheduling,” says project manager Guy Fronte. “As is often the case, a cruise ship was scheduled to berth on a particular day, so all of the trades had to carefully coordinate and complete their work to clear the path for others to access the venue.”

Key components of the audio, video and show control system included NION n6 audio processing, QSC amplifiers, and an AMX NI-2100 controller with NXD-700Vi touchscreen.

Berth 93’s digital signage is displayed on a complement of flat-screen LCD monitors including two Samsung 650FP’s, nine Samsung 520DX’s and 24 LG M2900S-BN’s. Playback for the system is sourced from a combination of Harris DS1100 and DS500 devices. Electrosonic trained the operators on the digital signage system so that they were capable of running the equipment seamlessly.

Electrosonic was also asked to configure a videowall to entertain children waiting to board the cruise ships. The large Planar MX46L 2×2 LCD display and its content is a major attraction for the kids.

Additionally, Electrosonic created a zoned sound system for pre-recorded and live announcements for passengers. It features 24 Renkus-Heinz IC-8R audio speakers installed throughout the berth and 22 Sound Tube CM 600i ceiling speakers.

To handle the new and improved audio, video and control systems, Berth 93’s original control room was renovated to incorporate two new cabinets of equipment.

Les Hill served as Electrosonic’s sales person for the project.

About Electrosonic
Electrosonic is an international AV company with a strong reputation for working on complex projects, both large and small, and has through its 47 year history developed lasting partnerships with customers and suppliers. Electrosonic brings a unique breadth of experience to each project; backed by solid engineering skills, project management and quality production facilities. Beyond complete integrated systems, Electrosonic can provide a wide range of services including consultancy, technical design, maintenance and operational support. Learn more about Electrosonic visit http://www.electrosonic.com

Global leisure giant MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS comes to Japan for the first time – Madame Tussauds and Legoland Discovery Centre to open in Tokyo

Judith Rubin
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Tokyo, London (Thursday June 23rd 2011) Global leisure giant Merlin Entertainments (Merlin), the world’s second biggest visitor attraction operator, announced today plans to open its first two attractions in Japan. From early October this year Madame Tussauds, one of Merlin’s most exciting and iconic brands, will open an exhibition in one of Tokyo’s premier shopping and leisure complexes – Decks Tokyo Beach Mall in Odaiba, Tokyo Bay. Then, in Spring 2012, a ¥1.2 billion ($15m) LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (LDC) will also open in the Mall.

Madame Tussauds Tokyo
One of the most famous, unique and best loved leisure brands in the world, Madame Tussauds Tokyo will be the fourth to open in Asia Pacific, joining established and successful sister attractions in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Bangkok; as well as another to open early in 2012 in Sydney, Australia.

Madame Tussauds Tokyo will begin as a temporary exhibition on the 3rd floor of the Mall, featuring a collection of iconic wax figures. However if Tokyo residents and international visitors enjoy it as much as the other 12 Madame Tussauds attractions around the world, then Merlin plans to make it a permanent feature for the future with many additional figures.

Destined to be a “must do” attraction for all visitors to the City – Madame Tussauds is the ultimate celebrity experience. Its sculptors produce wax figures of such quality and so lifelike that visitors, and celebrities alike, often have to do a double take. With no bars, ropes or barriers around the figures visitors have no problem believing that they really are standing beside, or even ‘acting/competing’ with their heroes in some of the exciting interactive parts of the attraction which have become so popular.

Madame Tussauds’ expertise and painstaking research means it takes a minimum of 3 months to make every figure, and many are produced following sittings with the celebrities themselves, taking hundreds of separate measurements, hours matching skin tone, eye and hair colour – with every individual hair inserted separately. No one else has this relationship with the famous – who regard inclusion in Madame Tussauds as a huge honour and recognition of their status and achievement.

Most importantly each of the Madame Tussauds’ attractions is quite different from one another, reflecting the culture, people, history and colour of the City in which they are located. The Madame Tussauds Tokyo exhibition, although temporary, will be no exception, the company is already working with a number of top Japanese celebrities and these will be joined by other international favourites, including some exciting animated figures.

Tokyo LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Merlin’s newest attraction concept, the permanent Tokyo LEGOLAND Discovery Centre will offer a fun, highly interactive and educational two to three-hour indoor experience ideal for families with children 3-10 years old. Based on the ever popular LEGO brick, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres provide a unique range of interactive play areas including a 4D cinema; master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder; exciting LEGO rides; special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations; as well as the popular MINILAND exhibit designed to reflect the iconic buildings in each individual attraction’s location – and Merlin researchers are already developing models which will depict the best known parts of the Tokyo Skyline.

Plans and designs are already being drawn up for the 4000 sqm site on the 6th and 7th floors of Decks Tokyo Beach Mall, and construction is expected to begin in September 2011, with the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre due to open in June 2012. Models for Tokyo will be made in Merlin’s specialist studios around the world and shipped in during construction.

Merlin In Japan
The attractions at Decks Mall underline Merlin’s aggressive growth plan, rolling out 6/7 new sites for its exciting brands around the world every year; and continuing to invest in new experiences and improved customer service across its existing global portfolio of more than 70 attractions. Asia Pacific offers a particularly exciting development area for the company following its recent acquisition of 6 attractions in Australia/New Zealand; and the planned opening of a major LEGOLAND theme park in Malaysia in 2012.

Commenting Glenn Earlam, Managing Director of Merlin’s Midway Attractions Operating Group, which includes both Madame Tussauds and the LDCs, said: “Japan is a very exciting marketplace and we have been looking for suitable sites in Tokyo, and other parts of the country, for some time, and believe that Decks Mall offers a great opportunity for us.

We have chosen two of our best attractions to start – unique attractions in a very special and unique City. The first, Madame Tussauds, even though initially it will only be in Tokyo for a few months, is a wonderful global brand, which can be adapted to reflect the people and the marketplaces in which we open, and I hope very much that if this project is a success then it may well become a fixture in Japan in the future.

Already successful in both Europe and in the USA, and given the popularity of LEGO toys in Asia Pacific I know people here will love the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre concept. Our experience has also shown that bringing together an exciting mix of retail, catering, and quality leisure attractions like the LEGOLAND Discovery Centres creates a whole new element to a family shopping day, delivering significant incremental business to both the Mall – and to the area as a whole.

Such projects play an important part in Merlin’s future growth strategy for our ‘midway’ or indoor City Centre attractions.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank both Sumitomo Corporation representing our landlords at Decks Mall; and our colleagues in the local office of one of Merlin’s major shareholders, the Blackstone Group who brokered the relationship. Without their support for our plans we would not have reached this stage. This was a key factor in our decision to come here, and we hope that this may be just the start of Merlin’s relationship with the City, and with Japan.”

Merlin Entertainments is continuing to look for further suitable sites across Japan and its leading cities for its brands – primarily LEGOLAND Discovery Centres and SEA LIFE – Merlin’s leading global acquarium brand.

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 74 attractions, six hotels/two holiday villages in 17 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 43.6 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 16,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park, Earth Explorer, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Tower Observatory and Skywalk, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter Underwater World, Oceanworld Manly and Hamilton Island Koala Gallery. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

DECKS MALL DECKS Tokyo Beach is located on the waterfront ‘Odaiba’, about 6km from the centre of Tokyo. DECKS, a ‘city-resort style mall’ is a fine mixture of retail, restaurants, and amusement attractions. It opened in July, 1996 reaching its 15th anniversary this year. As one of the landmarks of Tokyo’s bay area, in the daytime you can enjoy the nature that surrounds Tokyo Bay, at night you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo’s night view. In Tokyo, one of the largest tourist spots in Japan, DECKS located in a city-resort space with green and blue, has the following things to offer -approximately 150 shops and restaurants that interpret an urban-resort feeling, ‘Tokyo Joypolis’ the largest indoor amusement park in Japan, ‘Daiba Icchome Shotengai’ a recreation of shopping streets from the Showa-era, and the ‘Odaiba Takoyaki Museum’ a takoyaki food court which consists of popular takoyaki eateries from Osaka. Visit http://www.odaiba-decks.com/ for further information.

BLACKSTONE GROUP Blackstone (NYSE: BX) is one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, the companies we advise and the broader global economy. We do this through the commitment of our extraordinary people and flexible capital. Our alternative asset management businesses include the management of corporate private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds, credit oriented funds, collateralized loan obligation vehicles (CLOs) and closed-end mutual funds. The Blackstone Group also provides various financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com.

Cedar Point Now Offering Lake Erie Cruises

Judith Rubin
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SANDUSKY, Ohio, /PRNewswire/ — There are two new ways to see the sights and sounds of Cedar Point, the Lake Erie waterfront as well as the many exciting attractions of the North Coast.

Based out of the Cedar Point Marina, the Sandusky Riverboat Company and North Coast Excursions are now offering two different boating services: paddlewheel boat tours and personalized cruises. Both of these services will be offered every day during the summer through the end of Cedar Point’s daily operating season. The paddlewheel boat cruises will operate from noon to 9 p.m. daily, while North Coast Excursions will be scheduled based upon personal preference.

The 40-minute paddlewheel boat trips will take passengers on a relaxing voyage along Sandusky Bay and will provide beautiful views of the Lake Erie shoreline, the Cedar Point Marina and Cedar Point including picturesque looks at the Maverick, Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster roller coasters.

Guests will board the Winnebago, one of the paddlewheel boats used on Cedar Point’s Western Cruise boat ride that operated in the park for nearly 40 years. The Winnebago holds up to 49 passengers and will be docked next to Famous Dave’s in the Cedar Point Marina. Reservations are recommended but not required.

The cost for the paddlewheel cruises will be $10 for adults and $5 for Juniors (ages 5-12), while Seniors (age 62 and over), active and retired members of the armed forces and Cedar Fair Platinum Passholders can purchase tickets for $8.

There will also be special Fireworks Cruises on the Winnebago on Sunday and Monday, July 3 & 4 from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Cedar Point will present holiday fireworks displays on both nights beginning at 10 p.m. (weather permitting). The cost of these cruises is $16 for adults. Reservations for these special trips are recommended.

The paddlewheel boat is also available for private charters, weddings, parties and group outings.

At North Coast Excursions, passengers can create a customized cruise aboard a 31-foot Tiara. These cruises allow boaters to select their own itinerary for an afternoon or evening cruise or even a full-day adventure.

These personalized excursions are ideal for entertaining family, friends or clients. Possible itineraries include sunset cruises, trips to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Kelley’s Island, Put-in-Bay or simply enjoying the beauty of Lake Erie to cater to specific requests and needs.

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Now Accepting Applications for Month at the Museum™ 2

Judith Rubin
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MSI offers another chance for one person to live at MSI for 30 days and win $10,000!

CHICAGO, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –Month at the Museum is back … and it could be looking for you!

After the groundbreaking, original Month at the Museum experiment in fall 2010, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) is once again searching nationwide for a new roommate to live at the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere for 30 days this fall.

From Oct. 19 to Nov. 17, 2011, the winner will have full rein of the 14-acre Museum—experiencing everything MSI has to offer while soaking up science and interacting with Museum guests and fans online via a blog and social media. And, at the end of it all, he or she will take home a $10,000 prize and bragging rights for a lifetime.

Applications, due on July 22, 2011, include submittal of a 60-second video describing how the entrant would spend his or her month at MSI as well as a 500-word essay about why he or she is the best person for the job. Entrants must be 18 years or older and eligible to receive compensation in the United States. To apply, visit www.monthatthemuseum.org.

“It was so much fun having our first Month at the Museum winner, Kate, at MSI last year, and since then, we have been inundated with requests to welcome another roommate,” said Rob Gallas, vice president and chief marketing officer for MSI. “We encourage all adventuresome people with a thirst for knowledge and new experiences to apply for this amazing opportunity.”

While the basic premise of the experiment will stay the same, there will be some additional experiences and surprises in store for the 2011 roommate. MSI is also asking fans to share their ideas for the month-long stay on Facebook and Twitter: What would they like to see the winner do while living at the Museum? “Like” MSI on facebook.com/msichicago and post suggestions. Or, on Twitter, follow MSI at twitter.com/msichicago and submit ideas by tweeting to @msichicago and using the hashtag #MATM2.

Month at the Museum 2 is sponsored by CB2, Best Buy and Geek Squad, Whole Foods and Sodexo.

Chabot Space & Science Center Receives $1.8 Million Grant from The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

Judith Rubin
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www.chabotspace.org

OAKLAND, Calif. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation of Palo Alto has awarded Chabot Space & Science Center a $1.8 million grant to support phase II enhancements to the Center’s Bill Nye’s Climate Lab exhibition and website. The Lab enables kids ages 8-14 to learn basic principles of climate science and engage in behaviors that address climate change.

Bill Nye’s Climate Lab opened in November 2010, offering an optimistic, solutions-oriented, highly interactive educational experience focusing on climate science. Featuring Emmy-award winning science educator Bill Nye as commander of the Clean Energy Space Station, visitors join an urgent mission to thwart climate change by discovering exciting new clean energy opportunities while gathering “solutions” on their Climate Scout ID badges. The exhibition is one of the most popular in the Center’s history; the accompanying website, www.BillsClimateLab.org, continues the experience at home or in the classroom with online information and activities.

“The support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation enables us to build upon the success of Bill Nye’s Climate Lab and increase the number of kids actively engaged in climate science through personalized learning and understanding with real world actions,” said Alexander Zwissler, Executive Director/CEO at Chabot Space & Science Center. “We thank the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for supporting our efforts.”

In Phase II of Bill Nye’s Climate Lab, Chabot will focus on linking users’ experiences at the science center with virtual learning and real-world experiences. Chabot will partner with Oakland-based Lucid Design Group to add a Building Dashboard Kiosk to the exhibition to monitor the facility’s real-time energy use alongside interactive exhibits about building efficiency and energy use. Chabot will introduce the Building Dashboard Network to Bay Area middle schools to monitor energy usage and initiate school-based energy conservation competitions. Additional expansion includes developing new Climate Lab games that seamlessly span learning experiences at Chabot, in online and mobile media, and in visitors’ homes, schools and communities. These will showcase Climate Scout achievements, first-person comments and pledges, and stories of actions taken outside of Chabot.

“Bill Nye’s Climate Lab raises the bar for climate change education. It creates a fun environment where kids and their families learn how their actions add up. We’re thrilled to develop innovative strategies for using game play and personalization to expand the Climate Scout community and keep them engaged.” said Tamara Schwarz, Senior Manager of Experience Design at Chabot.

Chabot Space & Science Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, and Bay Area Certified Green Business, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit interactive science center whose mission is to inspire and educate students of all ages about Planet Earth and the Universe. Founded in 1883, the Center is located at 10000 Skyline Blvd. just off Highway 13 in the Oakland hills. For more information, visit www.chabotspace.org.  

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, established in 2000, seeks to advance environmental conservation and scientific research around the world and improve the quality of life in the San Francisco Bay Area. The San Francisco Bay Area Science Learning area of focus supports science-rich educational institutions such as science museums to enhance science education and learning by students (especially children) and the public to increase science literacy. For more information, visit www.moore.org.

The Marine Mammal Center Hosts 15 Colossal Sculptures Made from Ocean Trash

Judith Rubin
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Henry the fish is made from hundreds of pounds of trash collected from beaches in Oregon.
© Angela Haseltine Pozzi – Artistic Director, Washed Ashore – plastics, sea life and art

Washed Ashore: Plastics, Sea Life and Art reminds citizens about the importance of ocean conservation and recycling

SAUSALITO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Anyone looking to combine their passions for ocean conservation with art appreciation can see the debut of Washed Ashore: Plastics, Sea Life and Art at The Marine Mammal Center located in the Marin Headlands, in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area June 25 through October 15. Visitors to The Marine Mammal Center will be able to see and interact with the 15 colossal sculptures installed throughout the hospital and visitor center. The Center will hold a dedication and grand opening on June 25 beginning at 9 a.m. and the exhibit will officially be open to the public starting at 10 a.m. that day. In addition, the public can see one of the sculpture pieces, a harbor seal, in a variety of locations throughout the Bay Area during the four-month-long show.

“We think this exhibit will engage our visitors with the ‘pretty ugly truth’ about ocean trash and help them make the connection between their health, the health of our oceans and how their actions have an impact on both,” said Dr. Jeff Boehm, executive director at The Marine Mammal Center. “On average, 8-10% of our patient admissions are due to human interactions including those related to entanglements in trash.”

The Washed Ashore community project is the vision of artist and educator Angela Haseltine Pozzi. This community art project has turned the ugly reality of ocean trash into beautiful sculptures of the marine life that is most affected by this hazard, inspiring citizens to rethink their use and consumption of plastics and change their recycling habits. Angela Haseltine Pozzi is the lead artist and director of the Washed Ashore project, based in Bandon, Oregon. Pozzi has been an exhibiting artist and educator for more than 30 years and now chooses to use art as a powerful tool for community and environmental action about her true passion – the ocean.

“I came to the ocean to heal, but I found an ocean that needed healing,” remarked Angela Haseltine Pozzi, artist, educator and director of the Washed Ashore community project. “The problem of plastic pollution in the ocean is huge, so the artwork had to be massive in order to get the message across.”

Pozzi and her team of community volunteers collected approximately 7,000 lbs. of trash from 20 miles of beaches along the Oregon coast to make the sculptures. Through community art workshops at Pozzi’s Artula Institute, citizens young and old are taught how to clean and sort the bits and pieces of plastic caps, bottles, netting, flip flops and other trash that make up the “art supplies.” They then assemble the ocean trash into shapes and configurations that are incorporated into the gigantic sculptures.

About The Marine Mammal Center:
The Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit veterinary hospital, research and educational center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals – primarily elephant seals, harbor seals and California sea lions – and to the study of their health. Since 1975, the Center has been headquartered in the Marin Headlands, within the Golden Gate National Parks and has rescued and treated more than 16,500 marine mammals. The Center’s newly rebuilt headquarters in Sausalito is open to the public daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is FREE. For more information and to sign up for the Center’s eNewsletter, go to: www.MarineMammalCenter.org

About the Washed Ashore community project:
The Washed Ashore community project began in January 2010 with the goal of educating and creating awareness about marine debris and plastic pollution through art. The Artula Institute, founded by artist and educator Angela Haseltine Pozzi, has brought hundreds of community members together to clean up thousands of pounds of ocean trash from Oregon beaches and construct giant sculptures of the marine creatures most affected by plastic pollution. More at www.washedashore.org and www.artula.org.

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