Camper Chronicles is back! After a brief hiatus, a new group of summer campers are back as guest bloggers. This week’s theme is Animal Keepers, which focuses on teaching the children how the Aquarium takes care of our animals. Here is what they had to say. Enjoy!
Jacob, “At keepers camp on August 3rd, 2009 I learned about quarantining and curing reptiles. We watched them tag a female turtle, and give a snake medicine for internal parasites. We also learned about designing a tank, David, another worker, explained about his job as a cage designer.”
Hannah, “My name is Hannah, and on Monday at camp I learned how to feed fish and how to design a cage. I actually got to feed fish in an exhibit, how cool!! The workers fed seahorses, and said they were sea monkeys. I never knew that! Thank you!”
Remy, “My group learned how the aquarists fed the animals and how they make their food. The Bur fish looked a lot like Porcupine fish. The baby seahorses had to be put in different tanks, oldest to youngest.”
Mady, “Being an aquarist is a hard job; you have to make sure the animals have enough food and not too much food. You have to feed fish and help release them. We also got to go crabbing at the salt marsh.”
Haley, “As we helped out the aquarists with the animals, we fed the fish in the Raven Rock tank chopped fish and a special vitamin food. The Sturgeons, Shiners, and Catfish had the smaller chunks. Sturgeons can actually live up to 70 years in age. “
Gabrielle, “I learned that if you are an Aquarist you have to feed the fish called zoo plankton. Also we fed the fish menhaden and stuff that looked like little shrimp. That’s what I learned about being an Aquarist. “
Kirstyn, “When you are an aquarist you have to know about the animal you are caring for. Being an aquarist takes hard work, but it can be fun. It is a huge responsibility. Even though being an aquarist is hard work, it is really cool to go behind the scenes. This is an awesome privilege.”
Shelby, “While helping the aquarist we had the opportunity to feed the fish in the Raven Rock tank and also prepare the food. We fed them cut fish and specialized gel.”
Jacob, “Today I learned being an Aquarist is not easy. You have to find the animals and give them special tags that you read with a cool machine. “
Chase, “I learned that you have to go through a training camp to handle venomous snakes (that would not be my preferred career choice).”
Conner, “I got to work with the seahorses today. There were babies and adults. We chopped up fish and squid to feed the fish, and a puffer fish and a turtle ate from our fingers. We went crabbing and caught sea life to put in a tank. “
Alex, “I learned how to feed fish. “
Sarah, “I learned that different seahorses eat different food. Smaller seahorses eat smaller stuff and bigger seahorses get bigger stuff. “
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
MYTH BUSTED: Shark Style
Sharks have long been seen as predators of the sea and enemy to any animal or person that gets in their way. This is largely due to myths. Shark myths have caused countless people to fear these creatures, and in more drastic cases, the water itself. Myths range from falsehoods about shark attacks to the notion that sharks are considered “eating machines”. In celebration of Shark Week, July 26-31, lets bust a few shark myths!
One big myth that scares people from ever stepping foot in the open ocean is that sharks intentionally seek out human prey. There is no research that shows that sharks intentionally go after humans. Most scientists believe that the rare attacks that do occur are a result of mistaken identity. Humans may appear to be a seal, fish, or sea turtle in the water, which can cause a shark to bite. One fact to bust this myth is that out of an estimated 80 million water-activity participants each year, only a handful are victims of shark attacks. MYTH BUSTED
Surfing is a favorite pastime in the coastal area, yet some surfers live in fear every time they paddle out due to the myth that sharks go after surfboards. Although there is some truth to this myth, it is only for certain shark species. Great white sharks look at silhouettes from below, and surfboards appear to resemble a seal, walrus, or sea lion, which could cause an attack. Surfers are more likely to be injured from their own boards. MYTH BUSTED
Have you heard the myth that sharks do not have enemies? We heard this myth and immediately knew we had to bust it! Orca can occasionally kill sharks, along with parasites that take the lives of countless sharks every year. Public enemy number one goes to humans, who kill an estimated 73 million sharks a year. The shark-finning trade has placed several species of sharks in grave danger of extinction. Thanks to humans, this myth is totally BUSTED
So the next time you feel trepidation rising when entering the open sea, remember that most of your thoughts are myths that we have BUSTED.
One big myth that scares people from ever stepping foot in the open ocean is that sharks intentionally seek out human prey. There is no research that shows that sharks intentionally go after humans. Most scientists believe that the rare attacks that do occur are a result of mistaken identity. Humans may appear to be a seal, fish, or sea turtle in the water, which can cause a shark to bite. One fact to bust this myth is that out of an estimated 80 million water-activity participants each year, only a handful are victims of shark attacks. MYTH BUSTED
Surfing is a favorite pastime in the coastal area, yet some surfers live in fear every time they paddle out due to the myth that sharks go after surfboards. Although there is some truth to this myth, it is only for certain shark species. Great white sharks look at silhouettes from below, and surfboards appear to resemble a seal, walrus, or sea lion, which could cause an attack. Surfers are more likely to be injured from their own boards. MYTH BUSTED
Have you heard the myth that sharks do not have enemies? We heard this myth and immediately knew we had to bust it! Orca can occasionally kill sharks, along with parasites that take the lives of countless sharks every year. Public enemy number one goes to humans, who kill an estimated 73 million sharks a year. The shark-finning trade has placed several species of sharks in grave danger of extinction. Thanks to humans, this myth is totally BUSTED
So the next time you feel trepidation rising when entering the open sea, remember that most of your thoughts are myths that we have BUSTED.
*Picture thanks to Aquarium photo contest submission
*Shark myths thanks to The Discovery Channel
Monday, July 27, 2009
Did you know?
Sharks may be feared by most people, but once they learn about them the fear turns into fascination. Sharks are sleek, amazing creatures that get a bad rap because of the occasional shark bite. Truth be told, you have a better chance of being injured by falling out of bed or being stung by a hornet, then being bitten by a shark. Sharks are so amazing that they even have a week named after them, so in celebration of Shark Week, July 26-31, here are a few fun facts about the ocean’s top predators.
- Sharks main habitat is the ocean, yet several species of sharks can be found in rivers
- No two sharks are alike, they adapt their appearance to fit their environmental conditions
- Sharks have seven senses, and some of those senses are said to be better than many mammals
- Sharks can see better in the dark than cats
- Sharks can detect heartbeats through their electrosense
- Shark’s skeletons are made of cartilage instead of bones
- They produce in two ways; some bear their pups alive and others lay eggs
*Picture taken by Chris Walker
- Sharks main habitat is the ocean, yet several species of sharks can be found in rivers
- No two sharks are alike, they adapt their appearance to fit their environmental conditions
- Sharks have seven senses, and some of those senses are said to be better than many mammals
- Sharks can see better in the dark than cats
- Sharks can detect heartbeats through their electrosense
- Shark’s skeletons are made of cartilage instead of bones
- They produce in two ways; some bear their pups alive and others lay eggs
*Picture taken by Chris Walker
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Fewer Sharks to See in the Sea
A major conservation survey reveals startling results: a third of the world’s sharks face extinction. Sharks including great whites and hammerheads, that are hunted on the high seas are particularly at risk and are endangered due in part to overfishing. Over 100 million sharks are caught in commercial and sport fishing every year, which has caused a decline in several species including the great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, great white, and basking sharks. The report showed that multiple types of sharks have declined by more that 80 percent in the past decade.
Since sharks have relatively few young and are slow to mature, it is difficult for the populations to keep up. There are currently no restrictions or laws on the number of sharks that can be caught by fisheries in the high seas, which leaves them practically unprotected. We must place better guidelines on these sleek creatures before they are erased from the waters forever. The extinction of sharks would be detrimental because they play an important role in the ocean food chain and help balance the ecosystem. This is important to the survival of all organisms because they all depend on each other to maintain the balance. Species that sharks feed on will begin to overpopulate, which will in turn decrease the population of other species. This will ultimately send the ecosystem into a tailspin of destruction.
In celebration of Shark Week, July 26-31, our blog will focus on issues related to sharks. Shark Week, a product of The Discovery Channel first aired in 1987. It is a week-long series of feature television programs dedicated solely to facts and information about sharks.
Since sharks have relatively few young and are slow to mature, it is difficult for the populations to keep up. There are currently no restrictions or laws on the number of sharks that can be caught by fisheries in the high seas, which leaves them practically unprotected. We must place better guidelines on these sleek creatures before they are erased from the waters forever. The extinction of sharks would be detrimental because they play an important role in the ocean food chain and help balance the ecosystem. This is important to the survival of all organisms because they all depend on each other to maintain the balance. Species that sharks feed on will begin to overpopulate, which will in turn decrease the population of other species. This will ultimately send the ecosystem into a tailspin of destruction.
In celebration of Shark Week, July 26-31, our blog will focus on issues related to sharks. Shark Week, a product of The Discovery Channel first aired in 1987. It is a week-long series of feature television programs dedicated solely to facts and information about sharks.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Camper Chronicles: Week Four / Day 5
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On the final day of Circle of Life camp the camper’s reflected on their favorite experiences while at camp. Although each camper seemed to have a different experience that they enjoyed the most, canoeing to Zeke’s Island seemed to be the biggest hit. Here is what they wrote.
Maddie, “The best part about being and Ocean Explorer was canoeing to Zeke’s Island.”
Jonathan, “The best part of camp was when we went canoeing to Zeke’s Island.”
Jenna, “The best part of camp was doing crafts every day.”
Ali, “My favorite part of camp was when we went to the beach because I love jumping in the waves.”
Charles, “My favorite thing I did this week was going to the rocky outcrop.”
Yasmine, “My favorite part of camp was when we went to Zeke’s Island.”
Mary, “My favorite part of camp was when we went to Zeke’s Island. I found lots of shells. They had a very cool tidal pool. That was awesome!”
Ashley, “This week was so much fun! We went to the beach, rocky outcrop, salt marsh, and Zeke’s Island. I hope to come back soon!”
Camden, “My favorite part of this week was going to Zeke’s Island and canoeing.”
Maddie, “The best part about being and Ocean Explorer was canoeing to Zeke’s Island.”
Jonathan, “The best part of camp was when we went canoeing to Zeke’s Island.”
Jenna, “The best part of camp was doing crafts every day.”
Ali, “My favorite part of camp was when we went to the beach because I love jumping in the waves.”
Charles, “My favorite thing I did this week was going to the rocky outcrop.”
Yasmine, “My favorite part of camp was when we went to Zeke’s Island.”
Mary, “My favorite part of camp was when we went to Zeke’s Island. I found lots of shells. They had a very cool tidal pool. That was awesome!”
Ashley, “This week was so much fun! We went to the beach, rocky outcrop, salt marsh, and Zeke’s Island. I hope to come back soon!”
Camden, “My favorite part of this week was going to Zeke’s Island and canoeing.”
Camper Chronicles: Week Four / Day 4
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The fourth day of Circle of Life camp the campers learned about reptiles, and their circle of life. Enjoy!
Camden, “Today I learned that if the box turtle’s eyes are red or yellow it’s a boy, and if the eyes are brown it’s a girl.”
Jenna, “Today I learned that alligators eat other alligator’s babies.”
Ali, “I learned how to tell crabs apart from boys and girls.”
Yasmine, “Something I learned is that all reptiles shed their skin.”
Ashley, “Today I learned that the box turtle’s eyes can tell you their gender! Males have red or orange eyes and girls have brown!”
Mary, “I learned that turtles are connected to their shell. That’s so cool!”
Maddie, “Today I learned that all reptiles shed something.”
Jonathon, “I learned that reptiles have backbones and turtles shells grow like their body.”
Stay tuned for the Ocean Explorers final day of camp!
Camden, “Today I learned that if the box turtle’s eyes are red or yellow it’s a boy, and if the eyes are brown it’s a girl.”
Jenna, “Today I learned that alligators eat other alligator’s babies.”
Ali, “I learned how to tell crabs apart from boys and girls.”
Yasmine, “Something I learned is that all reptiles shed their skin.”
Ashley, “Today I learned that the box turtle’s eyes can tell you their gender! Males have red or orange eyes and girls have brown!”
Mary, “I learned that turtles are connected to their shell. That’s so cool!”
Maddie, “Today I learned that all reptiles shed something.”
Jonathon, “I learned that reptiles have backbones and turtles shells grow like their body.”
Stay tuned for the Ocean Explorers final day of camp!
Camper Chronicles: Week Four / Day 3
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Day three of Circle of Life camp involved a canoe ride over to Zeke’s Island to swim and search for animals in the salt marsh. Here is what they had to say about their experience.
Yasmine, “One interesting experience I had today was when we went to Zeke’s Island and saw a dogfish shark.”
Cammie, “The coolest thing I saw today was a little dog shark.”
Jenna, “Today I went swimming in a swimming hole on Zeke’s Island. We canoed to get there.”
Ashley, “Today we went to Zeke’s Island, and we saw a small dogfish shark! It was so cute!”
Ali, “A fun, interesting, and good experience was when we went to Zeke’s Island and swam.”
Charles, “The coolest thing that happened to me was seeing a dogfish shark.”
Maddie, “I had fun canoeing because it was my first time. I had a blast swimming.”
Mary, “Today we canoed to Zeke’s Island. In the tidal pool there was a small dogfish shark. It was soooo cool!!”
Jonathon, “We went crabbing and swimming, and we caught the biggest crab ever, plus I overcame my fear of canoes.”
Yasmine, “One interesting experience I had today was when we went to Zeke’s Island and saw a dogfish shark.”
Cammie, “The coolest thing I saw today was a little dog shark.”
Jenna, “Today I went swimming in a swimming hole on Zeke’s Island. We canoed to get there.”
Ashley, “Today we went to Zeke’s Island, and we saw a small dogfish shark! It was so cute!”
Ali, “A fun, interesting, and good experience was when we went to Zeke’s Island and swam.”
Charles, “The coolest thing that happened to me was seeing a dogfish shark.”
Maddie, “I had fun canoeing because it was my first time. I had a blast swimming.”
Mary, “Today we canoed to Zeke’s Island. In the tidal pool there was a small dogfish shark. It was soooo cool!!”
Jonathon, “We went crabbing and swimming, and we caught the biggest crab ever, plus I overcame my fear of canoes.”
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