fall/winter 2007

AVES

MAKINGMMystic Aquarium & Institutefor Exploration newsletterAVES

MAKINGM

BOB THE BUILDER live sept 22 : page 10

ARTHUR THE AARDVARK live oct 6 : page 10

Members Appreciation Day JOIN US! : page 07

SLEEP IN THE AQUARIUM OVERNIGHT : page 11

EXCITING FALL PROGRAMS AND SEA SCHOOL : pages 12 & 13

MYSTIC AQUARIUM & INSTITUTE FOR EXPLORATION is a non-profit organization.

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William “Bill” Kelley helped build Mystic Aquarium and became its first President. Bill turned 90 this year and we celebrated his birthday with him here in Mystic by dedicating the gallery that houses the new Fluorescent Corals exhibit in his name.

Throughout the years Bill has continued to demonstrate his love of science and the oceans with his tireless support for our Research and Exhibits departments, and creating meaningful exhibits for our visitors. Fluorescent Corals typifies Bill’s creativity – an exhibit designed to engage visitors and heighten their sense of wonder around the science of fluorescence and marine life.

Upon entering the Fluorescent Corals exhibit, visitors learn about fluorescence and its presence in everyday life, dwindling populations of coral and the need for conservation. Visitors also learn the ways in which fluorescence is being used in important research at the Aquarium and about its role in cures and treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Bill Kelley’s accomplishments over the last 35 years are well known in the field of marine science, and we continue to be grateful for his energy, pioneering spirit, thoughtfulness and contributions to our knowledge of the oceans here at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.

exhibit honors the man who created it

fluorescentcoralsu

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ue

“Fluorescent Corals

typifies Bill’s creativity – an

exhibit designed to engage

visitors and heighten their

sense of wonder around

the science of fluorescence

and marine life.”

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If you thought Halloween was all about things that go bump in the night, wait until you see what swims by in the dark!

Get ready for two nights of ghostly fun at the 4th Annual Sea Scare when the haunted side of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration comes to life. Enjoy hundreds of Jack-o-Lanterns, games, costume contests, Trick-or-Treating, Haunted Seas, Special Halloween Shows and more!

Sea Scare will be held on Friday, October 26th and Saturday, October

27th from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Last entry to the Aquarium will be at 9:00 pm. For more information visit our website mysticaquarium.org or call 860.572.5955.

Members: $12.00 adult$10.00 children (ages 3-17)

Non-members: $18.50 adult$13.50 children (ages 3-17)

Sea Scare is appropriate for all ages except for the XD Motion Theater (must be 7 years or older and at least 40 inches tall).

october 26 & 27from 6:30 pm -10:00 pm

join us for our 4th annual sea scare

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This exciting new exhibit will replace the popular PT 109 exhibit in Challenge of the Deep. Imagine being able to explore shipwrecks in Thunder Bay or see the colorful corals in the Flower Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico or visit the U.S.S. Monitor that sunk during the Civil War off the coast of North Carolina. Very few people get to see these wonderful protected places, and Dr. Ballard’s new exhibit takes you there.

The central attraction of the new exhibit features a live, high definition video link to Monterey Bay, California where you can look in on California sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters as they frolic and forage in their natural habitat.

Don’t worry about packing your wetsuit or getting a permission note to explore some of our nation’s most beautiful and exclusive treasured marine sanctuaries. Soon Challenge of the Deep will be bringing them to you. Come dive in and visit!

comingnovember2007!

for challenge of the deep exhibit plannednew

National Parks are great places to visit and experience wildlife up-close and personal. However, when it comes to visiting our National Marine Sanctuaries, you may hear those famous words, “you can’t get there from here.” Not to worry, because right now Dr. Robert Ballard is taking us on a personal journey to some of America’s most difficult to reach marine sanctuaries. With this new exhibit opening in November of 2007, you won’t have to leave Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration to take the tour.

The delicate ecosystems of these marine sanctuaries have to be protected, and diving in these areas is discouraged and many times prohibited. That’s what makes the upcoming “Exploring Your National Marine Sanctuaries” exhibit located in Challenge of the Deep so special Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is bringing these treasured marine locations to you.

than

ksWho knew school could be oceans of

fun? The Aquarium did, and now, thanks to popular demand, our Sea School for ages 3-5 and the new Mommy (or Daddy!) and Me classes are being continued into the fall and winter.

Sea School and these special programs give your child a terrific head-start and provide a great opportunity to learn through fun and creativity. The Sea School environment is designed to stimulate young imaginations and encourage a love of the marine world.

And don’t forget, members get a discount on both Sea School and Mommy (or Daddy!) and Me classes.

See page12 for more information or call 860.572.5955 ext. 520.

sea,i told you schoolcould be fun!

the new interactive animal encounter station. Meet bearded dragons, American alligators, blue-tongued skinks, African millipedes, Burmese ball pythons and a crowd favorite, the African spurred tortoise.

OCEANPLANET FILM FESTIVAL January 25-27, 2008

Join us for the 2nd OceanPlanet Film Festival. This popular event is fun for all ages and celebrates our oceans through student, amateur and curated films. Come view these creative films at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and Mystic Seaport from January 25th to 27th.

For more information, visit mysticaquarium.org or contact our Development Office at 860.572.5955 ext. 553 or email developmentinfo@mysticaquarium.org.

NEW AMERICAN LOBSTERS: A NEW ENGLAND LEGACY On your next visit, check out the new lobster exhibit. It’s all about lobsters, their history and how they made their rise from “trash-fish” to high priced delicacy. The exhibit looks at the tools of the lobster trade, how a lobster trap works, his-toric buoys found in our area, and how to determine a “keeper” from a ‘throw back.” During your visit you’ll also see Caribbean spiny and slipper lobsters, a 24-pound behemoth lobster and several rare blue lobsters – all part of the broader Lobster Legacy story.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTER STATION Visitors get to touch and feel and learn more about some pretty cool reptiles in

exhibit newsAVESMAKINGM

PREMIER Foxwoods Resort Casino

MARINERLand Rover of GuilfordPfizer

WHALE WATCHERBob Valenti’s Auto MallCoca Cola of Southeastern CTDominion NuclearFrankel and Co.Gaffney BennettThe Kraft GroupRand WhitneyTees Plus

SEA LIONAdvanced Financial ServicesAmerican Laboratory TradingThe DayMazuri Land O’ Lakes

BLUE LOBSTERConnecticut DefendersC L & PHubbell ManufacturingMonsantoMystic TransportationOlde Mistick VillagePuritan & GenestaSouthwest Airlines

SEA STARBob’s Discount FurnitureCT Woodworking LLC. Dave SchoonmanThe UPS Store Groton

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration wishes to thank the following Corporate Members for their support:

corporatemembership

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animal newsAQUARIUM SENDS PENGUIN EXPERT TO PERU – HEAR HER STORY! Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:00pm – 8:30pm

It isn’t often someone goes on a trip, observes the collection of bird guano, and has a great time doing it, but that’s exactly what one of the Aquarium’s senior Pinniped and Penguin trainers did recently.

Sarah Misslin went to Punta San Juan, a protected reserve along the coast of South America and home to the threatened Humboldt penguin. Sarah’s job was to serve as an observer as local workers collected bird guano, making sure the endangered penguins were not harmed accidentally during the guano harvest.

Join Sarah as she shares her exciting experience in a 45-minute presentation. Refreshments will be served. Reservations required.Members: FREE Non-Members: $10.00

WE HAVE A NEW DIRECTOR OF MAMMALS & BIRDS, AND HE COMES TO US FROM THE DESERT OF ALL PLACES.

Michael Osborn arrived at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration comes from the Mirage Dolphin Habitat in Las Vegas, Nevada where he played a key role in their animal husbandry program. Before working at the Mirage, he spent seven years at Sea Life Park in Hawaii.

Mike is a veteran animal scientist who brings with him some great ideas and a wealth of knowledge that will not only

benefit our animals but add excitement and enrichment to the visitor experience.

“Mike Osborn adds depth to our husbandry program and will play an integral role in all aspects of the zoological operations,” says Dr. Tracy Romano, Senior Vice-President of Research and Veterinary Services. Welcome, Mike!

A WHALE OF A TIME LEARNING: OUR BELUGA FRIENDS SURE HAVE BEEN BUSY, ONE IN PARTICULAR!

Naku has been working on tasks using a variety of different objects. If you know belugas, then you know how much they enjoy playing with new things!

The goal for Naku is to emphasize her echolocation signals during the actual task. Her vocalizations are being recorded and then analyzed. This will help gain valuable information as to what specific features of beluga echoes (for example, the loudness, pitch or length of the echo) are most important when discriminating among objects.

WHO’S COOKING WHAT?

Our staff is conducting a research project in conjunction with Mazuri Exotic Animal Nutrition. This involves feeding the belugas analog fish (a sustainable alternative to frozen fish). The whales have been eating this fish-based product since the beginning of 2007, and it has added more variety to their diets. Not that you’ll see Emeril whipping up this dish anytime soon, but the belugas sure seem to enjoy it.

PREMIER Foxwoods Resort Casino

MARINERLand Rover of GuilfordPfizer

WHALE WATCHERBob Valenti’s Auto MallCoca Cola of Southeastern CTDominion NuclearFrankel and Co.Gaffney BennettThe Kraft GroupRand WhitneyTees Plus

SEA LIONAdvanced Financial ServicesAmerican Laboratory TradingThe DayMazuri Land O’ Lakes

BLUE LOBSTERConnecticut DefendersC L & PHubbell ManufacturingMonsantoMystic TransportationOlde Mistick VillagePuritan & GenestaSouthwest Airlines

SEA STARBob’s Discount FurnitureCT Woodworking LLC. Dave SchoonmanThe UPS Store Groton

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GET CLOSE TO A BELUGA WHALE!Now through October 31st

only $99.00! BOOK NOW!

Call 860.572.5955 ext. 520

Offered Daily (except Wednesday):10:45 am, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pmWednesday: 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm

looking fora great gift?Why not give someone special one of these great presents? A Beluga or Penguin Contact Program A Year-long Membership Their name on Our New Glass Block Donor Wall Gift Admission Tickets Adopt an Animal ( in their name) Aquarium Store gift certificates

Call 860.572.5955, ext 553 or email developmentinfo@mysticaquarium.org for more information.

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TEACHERS: Have your students take part in a LIVE expedition. Join us for a Professional Development Workshop. Contact Katie James at 860.572.5955 ext. 160 for information.

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sept.22Bob the Builder LIVESeptember 22, 2007Can we build it? Yes we can! Come see Bob the Builder for three special sing-along shows! See page 10

29National Estuaries Day/Members Appreciation DaySeptember 29, 200710:00 am - 4:00 pmJoin us for a day full of fun and activities for the whole family – discover more about Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay – FREE for members. See page 16

sept.

oct.06Arthur the Aardvark LIVE October 6, 200710:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:15pmBring the kids and discover that reading can be really fun! Join us for three shows where stories are brought to life by Arthur the Aardvark. See page 10

Free Preview of Sea Monsters 3DOctober 3, 2007 7:00pmMembers get a free preview of this fun movie at Feinstein IMAX, Providence Place Mall – join us! See page 10

03oct.

26-27Sea Scare October 26-27, 2007 6:30pm- 10:00pmSee the haunted side of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration lighted with over 1,000 pumpkins, exciting new Halloween shows all for your little ghosts and goblins. Not to be missed. See page 3

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26-27Holiday Sea of Trees November 23, 2007- January 2, 2008The Aquarium comes to life for the holidays with lighted trees beautifully decorated with special themes.

Members save an extra20% at our store December 2 - 9, 2007Make your shopping fun and save a little more during these special days for members only. Discount applies to most items in our ever-popular store.

Festival of LightsDecember 7, 2007 Join us for a magical evening of holiday music and entertainment. Admission is free with a canned food item which helps make someone else’s holiday possible. Our thanks to FOMA (Friends of Mystic Aquarium) for making this special evening possible.

OceanPlanet Film FestivalJanuary 25-27, 2008Join us for our second OceanPlanet Film Festival. This popular event celebrates our oceans through student, amateur and curated films.

nov. jan.

02-09dec.

07dec.

13Bay Circle Members Event October 13, 200710:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm See page 7

oct.

5K Run or Fun Walk for the Penguins October 13, 2007Join us. Visit mysticaquarium.org for details.

13oct.

American Heart Association Walk October 14, 2007Our staff will be walking. Join us, support a great cause. Americanheart.org.

14oct.

Teacher Open House October 18, 2007Take the word on the great event to your child’s teacher. See page 11

18oct.

calendarof events

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SPECIAL OFFERS FOR OUR MEMBERS:

NEW!! Del Sol in Olde Mistick Village, Mystic, CT (10% discount)

NEW!! Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center in Ledyard, CT (discount admission, expires 5/31/08)

Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, AK (free admission, expires 12/31/07)

Aquarium of Niagara in Niagara Falls, NY (free admission)

The Blue Turtle Restaurants in Milford, CT & Manchester, CT (10% discount, expires 4/30/08)

Eastern Mountain Sports in Crystal Mall, Waterford, CT (20% discount, expires 4/30/08)

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, FL (discount admission, expires 12/31/07)

Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI(discount admission, expires 12/31/07)

The UPS Store, Groton, CT (discount, expires 12/31/07)

Please note these agreements are subject to change without notice. Member must show valid MAIFE membership card and photo ID. Offer extends only to those people named on membership card.

Stay up to date with your membership – Sign up for our email newsletter!

Get the most current info on what you can do here at the Aquarium - discover all sorts of ways your membership can be fun! Send your email address to membership@mysticaquarium.org.

Don’t forget! Bring your Membership Card when you visit!

Your membership card and photo ID provides you with free admis-sion and all sorts of other benefits. Only the people listed on your card receive these great benefits, but be sure to ask for discount rates for your guests. To protect the value of your membership, we require your photo ID each time you visit. Misplaced or lost your card? Call Member Services for help before you visit. When your child visits with a friend, remember to send your card with them – they cannot be admitted with out it. We hope these tips will help make your visit fun and stress-free.

m t w r f s s

MEMBER’SCORNER

radical reptiles: a special programexclusively for bay circle and seacircle membersSaturday, October 13, 2007 at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Join us for a very special encounter with some cool reptiles. This special program is a benefit for our Bay Circle and Sea Circle Members and promises to be fun for both adults and children. Don’t miss the opportunity to talk with the staff that work with these awesome reptiles. You’ll be meeting spurred tortoises, bearded dragons, Australian blue-tongued skinks and ball pythons.

This program is FREE but space is limited so please call to make a reservation. 860.572.5955 ext. 520.

Not a Bay Circle or Sea Circle Member yet? Upgrade your current membership. Contact Member Services at 860.572.5955 ext. 233 or email membership@mysticaquarium.org.

be among the stars! become a volunteer.Many of our members are also our volunteers. Have fun and join a great group of people who give their time and talents to an organization dedicated to our oceans. Our volunteers help us in all sorts of ways, through our education programs, our seal rescue program, diving our exhibits and working with our visitors. There is something here for everyone. Jump into a fun experience and make a difference. Visit mysticaquarium.org or call 860.572.5955 ext. 209 for information.

26-27Sea Scare October 26-27, 2007 6:30pm- 10:00pmSee the haunted side of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration lighted with over 1,000 pumpkins, exciting new Halloween shows all for your little ghosts and goblins. Not to be missed. See page 3

oct. jan.25-27

26-27Holiday Sea of Trees November 23, 2007- January 2, 2008The Aquarium comes to life for the holidays with lighted trees beautifully decorated with special themes.

Members save an extra20% at our store December 2 - 9, 2007Make your shopping fun and save a little more during these special days for members only. Discount applies to most items in our ever-popular store.

Festival of LightsDecember 7, 2007 Join us for a magical evening of holiday music and entertainment. Admission is free with a canned food item which helps make someone else’s holiday possible. Our thanks to FOMA (Friends of Mystic Aquarium) for making this special evening possible.

OceanPlanet Film FestivalJanuary 25-27, 2008Join us for our second OceanPlanet Film Festival. This popular event celebrates our oceans through student, amateur and curated films.

nov. jan.

02-09dec.

07dec.

13Bay Circle Members Event October 13, 200710:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm See page 7

oct.

5K Run or Fun Walk for the Penguins October 13, 2007Join us. Visit mysticaquarium.org for details.

13oct.

American Heart Association Walk October 14, 2007Our staff will be walking. Join us, support a great cause. Americanheart.org.

14oct.

Teacher Open House October 18, 2007Take the word on the great event to your child’s teacher. See page 11

18oct.

H T M G I L L S A T N SS E O U A A L G A E G L I I N L P T Q A L S T R F F I N P E U N A Q R AT N E H Y B A E C O A VA O S G O U R A I W S EC I K N A T I Q P S M LF L G O U R U C O R A LS E I L L O M A R I N EE S R O H A E S T R O PC A T F G O U R A M I S

Leave your personal mark at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration by becoming part of our unique Glass Block Wall project. Support the Aquarium and get your family name or a personal message on one of the glass blocks that will soon become a centerpiece at the Aquarium.

Construction begins soon and the wall will be seen by thousands of visitors each year. Call 860.572.5955 ext. 553 or email dhunter@mysticaquarium.org.

plunge?to take thewhat better place

Weddings at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration are pure magic. Let our events team show you how memorable anevening can be, with menus and service to match the stunning ambiance. Call Donna Chenette at 860.572.5955 ext. 336 or email dchenette@mysticaquarium.org

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DOLLY VARDEN DORADODRUMGARGRAYLINGGRUNTHALIBUTJEWFISHMACKEREL

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join us - run or walk for the penguinsSATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2007 AT 9:00AM

Join us for a 5K run or a fun walk for our penguin research & conservation effortsEntry fee: $20 on or before October 1, 2007 or $25 day of race. Children $10 (ages 3-12).

mysticaquarium.org8

Raise $50 or more in pledges and waive the registration fee and get a free race T-shirt. Top fundraiser re-ceives an original piece of penguin art created by the penguins themselves!Entry forms at mysticaquarium.org.

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plunge?to take thewhat better place The next time Mystic Aquarium & Institute

for Exploration’s Marine Animal Rescue team finds itself on a beach coming to the aid of a stranded animal, they’ll have some local kayakers to thank for keeping this important program moving forward.

Recently, the Animal Rescue Kayak (ARK) raised over $8,000 for the Aquarium’s highly successful and renowned rescue program.

Friends of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (FOMA) launched from

paddling their way to our heartsBluff Point State Park in Groton on June 23rd, and when the 4th annual event had wrapped up, thousands of dollars had been raised. It was a job well done by the kayakers who paddled between 4 and 12 miles during their daylong expedition. There was also a free picnic after the event for any kayaker who raised $25 or more.

A Grand Prize of a $1,000 gift certificatefrom North Cove Outfitters (to be used towards the purchase of a kayak), was awarded to one lucky kayaker. First Prize

was a $500 gift certificate generously donated by the Kayak Centre of Rhode Island.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Explorationhas been rescuing stranded marine mammals and sea turtles for over 25 years. Fund-raisers like the one held by ARK are vital to the program’s survival.

Next year’s kayak fund-raiser is set for Saturday, June 21st. Please mark your calendar and plan on joining us for a fun and extremely worthwhile event.

When area non-profits work together, it becomes a win-win for everyone.

This past summer ARC of New London County and Oak Hill in Hartford, two

Dr. Stephen Coan, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. “It’s very important that we are able to form these kinds of ties with the community.”

“Six to seven thousand seed sticks per week were needed for the exhibit. You can plainly see the scope of this important community collaboration,” said Dr. Coan. “Our community partners were compensated for their work, creating a revenue source for both the ARC of New London County and Oak Hill.”

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration was the only location in New England to host the popular Birds of the Outback exhibit.

great organizations which provide assistance to individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities teamed up with Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and assembled thousands of seed sticks for our exciting new Birds of the Outback exhibit.

If you visited this exhibit on Member’s Day or during the summer you would have used one of these seed sticks to feed our feathered friends. The exhibit, which closed just afterLabor Day, featured a 1,200 square-foot enclosed aviary with hundreds of free-flyingcockatiels, parakeets, and rosellas, all native to Australia.

“The contribution of the workers at the ARC of New London County and Oak Hill in Hartford has been very valuable,” says

team upbird is the word asarea non-profits

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join us for arthur the aardvark live!He’s one smart aardvark who knows reading can be fun!October 6, 2007Showtimes: 10 am, 12 pm, 2:15 pmTickets On Sale Now! Advance tickets recommended.

Did you know Arthur the Aaardvark loves to read, and we all want our kids to love reading as much as Arthur. Join us for three special shows where Arthur will bring stories to life for your little ones.

Special pricing for Aquarium Members: $7 for Children (age 2 to 17) and Adults.

Non-members Tickets: $25.50 Non-Member Adults, $20.50 Non-Member Children (3-17), $7 Non-Member Children (Age 2). Cost of this ticket also includes Aquarium general admission.

Purchase your tickets in advance online at mysticaquarium.org or by calling 877-77-CLICK (25425).

join us for bob the builder live! Can We Build It? Yes, We Can! Saturday, September 22, 2007Showtimes: 10 am, 12 pm, 2:15 pmTickets On Sale Now! Advanced tickets recommended.

The Fun is in Getting it Done! Meet your favorite builder, Bob the Builder, and enjoy a show full of singing, dancing and stories! Enjoy a fun day at the Aquarium and a 20-minute show that will have your favorite little builders captivated from the start.

Special pricing for Aquarium Members: $7 for both Children (age 2 to 17) and Adults.

Non-members Tickets: $25.50 Non-Member Adults, $20.50 Non-Member Children (3-17), $7 Non-Member Children (Age 2). Cost of this ticket also includes Aquarium general admission.

Purchase your tickets in advance online at mysticaquarium.org or by calling 877-77-CLICK (25425).

Celebrate this special occasion at the Aquarium or create a sea-themed party right in your own home where one of our staff will come to entertain the kids with a fun-filled special program featuring very cool live marine invertebrates.

Members receive a discount rate. Call Reservations at 860.572.5955 ext. 520 or email: reservations@mysticaquarium.org for details.

fishing around for a truly uniqueway to celebrate yourchild’s birthday?

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Education Open House Thursday, October 18, 6:15 – 8:00 pm

Calling all teachers and administrators… Bring your family for a fun night to learn about the wide variety of educational opportunities that Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration has to offer this school year.

See the exhibits, check out our classrooms, take a peek behind the scenes, learn about our traveling teacher programs that come right to your school and meet our enthusiastic educators to discuss what we can do for your students. Also, enter to win exciting raffle prizes including a Beluga Contact Program.

Free of charge for educators and their families. Reservations requested. Contact reservations at 860.572.5955 ext. 520 or email reservations@mysticaquarium.org.

Family Overnights - An overnight adventure in an underwater world

Friday, November 2, 7:00 pm – Saturday, November 3, 9:00 am

Friday, February 29, 7:00 pm – Saturday, March 1, 9:00 am

Saturday, March 15, 7:00 pm – Sunday, March 16, 9:00 am

Friday, April 11, 7:00 pm- Saturday, April 12, 9:00 am

Ever wonder what the Aquarium’s animals do at night? Bring your sleeping bag, pillow and a flashlight to find out. We’ll play games, tour the exhibits, enjoy snacks and have the Aquarium all to ourselves! Then pick a place to sleep next to the graceful rays, schooling fish or circling sharks. Continental breakfast is provided. Children must be accompanied by a paid adult. (Children must be 5 years old to attend.)

Members $45 adult / $35 child (ages 5-16)Non-members $55 adult / $45 child (ages 5-16)Registration required.

Contact reservations at 860.572.5955 ext. 520 or email reservations@mysticaquarium.org.

International Coastal Cleanup DaySunday, September 30, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Join us at Bluff Point State Park in Groton, CT for an energizing day devoted to tidying up our local marine environment. What a wonderful way to spend a beautifulautumn day, exploring the beach and doing your part to help us clean up our precious shoreline. We will supply the trash bags and cold drinks. Just bring a picnic and make a day of it. There will be plenty of time for hiking, biking and exploring the park, too.

Free of charge. Reservations requested. Contact MaryEllen Mateleska 860.572.5955 ext. 156 or email mmateleska@mysticaquarium.org for more information or to register.

A Tasty Family AffairSaturday, October 13, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Many families enjoy eating lobsters during the summer, but how much do you really know about them? Enjoy the best of both worlds by participating in this event which will includes a hands-on experience with live lobsters, a visit to the new Lobster Trap exhibit and a detailed dissection of the local lobster species. The program concludes with each pair of participants dining on their own delectable lobster. Make it a family affair - this unique experience is designed to be shared by an adult and child (ages 9-12) pair and is not to be missed.

Members $30 child (ages 9-12) / adult pairNon-members $40 child (ages 9-12) / adult pair

PROGRAMSFAMILY

for a truly unique

MOMMY (OR DADDY!) AND ME

Explore, learn and get in some wonderful quality play time with your child in our exciting new Mommy (or Daddy!) and Me class. The 60-minute program takes place in our new early childhood classroom, specifically designed to provide a safe and stimulating atmosphere for young children. Classes revolve around sea life themes, offering age-appropriate children concepts in which to learn about and appreciate the ocean and its many wonders. Each class includes story time, music, dancing and time for parents or caregivers to interact with their children as they explore and play. Classes also include activities such as finger painting, arts and craft projects and age-appropriate science experiments.

Schedule: Fridays 9:15 am – 10:15 am Cost: Members $15 caregiver / child pairNon-members $18 caregiver / child pairNote: $3 for each additional child. Siblings ages 0-6 months are welcome for free. Cost is based on a per-day rate. No long term commitment is required.

SEA SCHOOL

Do your little ones love visiting the Aquarium? If so, Sea School is the program for them! The 16 or 24 class sessions offer preschoolers a unique opportunity to ex-perience the exciting world of marine life. Each two hour class has children using their imagination, interacting with peers, and participating in projects designed to develop a variety of skills. The program serves as a first taste of what school will be like, but is also a great enrichment program for youngsters already enrolled in a preschool. The next session begins the week of September 24th and runs for 8 weeks:

3-Day Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:15-11:15 or 1:00-3:00 (24 classes).

Cost: Members $550; 2 children $750Non-members $575; 2 children $7752-Day Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:15-11:15 or 1:00-3:00 (16 classes)Cost: Members $350; 2 children $500Non-members $375; 2 children $525Note: A four week mini-session begins November 26th – the same great program at half the time and cost! The winter session will begin January 7th.

STORY SERIES

Spend the morning with your child reading, dancing and singing along to their favorite books and songs. Start the day with cheery tales of the sea and its creatures, which are creatively and playfully brought to life. This class is always one of our most popular. Choose the fall or winter series.

Fall Series Schedule: 9:15 am – 10:00 am Thursdays, October 18, 25, November 1, 8Winter Series Schedule:10:15 am – 11:00 am Wednesdays, January 23, 30, February 6 & 13Cost: Members Series package: $28 child / adult pair, 2nd child $12Non-members: $40 child / adult pair, 2nd child $18

HOLIDAY MUNCHKIN MORNING

Get out of the cold and celebrate the holiday season with your favorite Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration animals! Experience the Aquarium before it actually opens to the public for this special morning program. Inside we’ll have a wide variety of activities to

entertain your little ones, including holiday crafts, animal touch & learn programs and a sea-themed puppet show. We’ll also provide breakfast goodies and coffee and hot chocolate for those cold winter mornings.

Schedule: Monday, December 17, 8:30 am – 10:00 amCost: Members $20 child / adult pairNon-members $30 child / adult pair

LEAFY CREATURES

What do autumn leaves and sea animals have in common? They all come in a variety of dazzling colors, each with their own unique shapes. Your child’s imagination will run wild as we meet a variety of unique marine invertebrates, read themed stories and create our own creatures from beautiful autumn leaves.

Schedule: Saturdays, October 13 or November 10, 9:30 am – 10:30 amCost: Members $7Non-members $12

FUNNY FISH

Some fish are skinny and flat with eyes on top and others are covered in spines and “puff up” when they get scared. Some fish tails are forked, while others look like paddles. Your child will have fun learning about different fishes’ body parts and designing their own funny fish to take home and show off.

Schedule: Saturday, November 10 or Saturday, December 1, 11:00 am – 12:00 pmCost: Members $7Non-members $12

AGES NEWBORN TO 3 (WITH A CAREGIVER)

AGES 2 to 5 (CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.)

AGES 5 to 6

AGES 5 to 6

early childhood programs

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contact: 860.572.5955 ext. 520 for additional information and reservations or email reservations@mysticaquarium.orgRegistration is required for all Early Childhood Programs.

AGES 3 to 5

AGES 2 to 5 (CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.)

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LOBSTERS TALES (AND CLAWS TOO!)

Lobsters are animals that many people know very little about. Through this fun program children learn by reading stories of these favorite crustaceans from the sea. Kids will also meet a live lobster and get a behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium to see for themselves how our staff takes care of our lobsters. Children will have the chance to explore the Aquarium’sbrand-new Lobster Trap exhibit.

Schedule: Saturday, October 6, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Saturday, November 10, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pmCost: Members $7Non-members $12

REPTILES ON PARADE

Why does a skink have a blue tongue and what is a skink anyway? Does a bearded dragon really have a beard? In this class children learn the answers to these questions and many more as we teach them about reptiles from around the world. Kids will also meet the reptiles here at the Aquarium and learn how they adapt for survival in their own unique habitats.

Schedule: Saturday, October 6, 9:30 am – 10:30 amSaturday, December 1, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Cost: Members $7Non-members $12Note: Sign up for the Lobster and Reptile class together and save money.Cost: Members $12 for both classesNon-members $17 for both classes

SECRETS TO ANIMAL TRAINING

How does Coco the sea lion know when to make his big splash ending in the show? How do we get Kodiak to raise his flipper on cue or a Beluga whale to spit water on unsuspecting visitors? Come, discover how our staff trains our amazing and talented animals and learn the secrets behind shaping these behaviors. You may even get a chance to try out your newfound knowledge by training fellow classmates (feeding your best new friend fish as a reward is not recommended however!).

Schedule: Saturday, December 8, 10:30 am -12:00 pmCost: Members $12Non-members $18

TOYS!!! FOR SEA LIONS!!!

On your visit to the Aquarium have you seen green cloth “kelp” or big white tubs floating in the exhibits – what are they doing there? These strange items are actually toys and they provide enrichment and fun for the animals. Find out more

about this and try your hand at creating a great animal toy – it might even get used by your favorite animal at the Aquarium. and who knows, you might even receive a personal thank you from your animal pal.

Schedule: Saturday, October 6, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pmCost: Members $12Non-members $18Note: Sign up for the Animal Training and Toys class and save money.Cost: Members $20 for both classesNon-members $30 for both classes

WANT TO BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST?

What is it really like to work at an aquarium? Find out about the exciting career opportunities in marine biology from the experts and get a real life view of what it takes to be a part of a place like Mystic Aquarium. Get a look behind the scenes at the Aquarium, meet the staff, and discover what it takes to work in this field taking care of the animals and making the place run smoothly.

Schedule: Saturday, December 8, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pmSaturday, March 1, 10:15 am – 12:15 pmCost: Members $15Non-members $22

AGES 11 to 13

AGES 6 to 8

fall programs

AGES 6 to 8

AGES 9 to 12

AGES 9 to 12

YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Come be a part of this motivated group of young leaders who are involved in exciting projects and important programs throughout the Aquarium. Youth Leadership Council projects include artistic mural work, class development, program instruction, and conservation-based action programs. YLC students are taking an active role by serving as Aquarium ambassadors to their peers and the community.

Contact: MaryEllen Mateleska at 860.572.5955 ext. 156 or email mmateleska@mysticaquarium.org.

EXPLORE MARINE SCIENCE CAREERS

Interested in one day becoming a marine biologist or working at an aquarium with animals such as seals, Beluga Whales or penguins? Taking part in this fun-filled, three-hour workshop, will give teenagers an understanding of the many careers that are essential to running an aquarium like the one at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. The exciting class focuses on marine career options, takes a peek behind the scenes, and lets students get their hands wet as they maintain their very own aquarium tank.

Schedule: Saturday, October 20, November 17, or February 16. 10:00 am – 1:00 pmCost: Members $20Non-members $28

Contact: 860.572.5955 ext. 520 or email reservations@mysticaquarium.org. Registration required.

teen programs

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SUMMER 2008 INTERNATIONAL TEEN EXPEDITION

This is a trip a teenager will never forget. Our expedition combines great marine adventures with the opportunity to make some new friends for life. Join us next summer on an international trip designed just for teens interested in marine science. Who knows what you’ll see along the way on this special scientific expedition created just for future marine scientists.

Contact: MaryEllen Mateleska 860.572.5955 ext. 156 or email mmateleska@mysticaquarium.org for additional details.

AGES 14 to 17

AGES 14 to 17 AGES 14 to 17

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how to reach usMystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration55 Coogan Blvd.Mystic, CT 06355860.572.5955

www.mysticaquarium.orginfo@mysticaquarium.orgmembership@mysticaquarium.org

Animal Contact Programs...........ext. 520Animal Parent Programs.............ext. 553Birthday Parties...........................ext. 520Business Development:................ext. 350Corporate Membership................ext. 515Development................................ext. 553Education Programs....................ext. 520Facility Rental...............................ext. 336Group Sales..................................ext. 520Human Resources........................ext. 308 Member Services.........................ext. 233Penguin Café................................ext. 335Store..................................860.536.8508Volunteers....................................ext. 209

Aquarium HoursOPEN DAILY, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

March thru November: Sunday-Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Last Entry at 5:00 pm)

December thru February: Monday-Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Last Entry at 4:00 pm)

Saturday, Sunday, Holidays:9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Last Entry at 5:00 pm)Hours are subject to change.

registration form 2007THREE WAYS TO REGISTER:

CALL the Reservations Office 860.572.5955 ext. 520 (credit card required).

MAIL this completed form along with payment to: Attn: Reservations Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration 55 Coogan Blvd Mystic, CT 06355-1977

FAX this completed form with credit card information to 860.572.5969.

Guidelines• Pre-registration and pre-payment is required for all programs unless otherwise noted.• If your program choices are full, you will be placed on a waiting list.• MAIFE members are entitled to discount rates! The program participant must be a member to receive a discount. A member signing up a non-member participant will be charged the non-member rate.• We are unable to refund fees for programs costing less than $15 per person or for cancellation within 2 weeks of a program. Outside the 2 week window, we have a 20% cancellation fee for programs that cost more than $15. Summer Camp, Overnight and Trip refund policies are specific to each program.

Name (adult)__________________________________ Phone________________________Address _____________________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ State__________________ Zip___________E-mail______________________________________________________ Member Y E S / N O

Member Number__________________Category_________________ Exp. Date_______

___ I am also enclosing an additional $_______ to help support the MAIFE Animal Rescue Fund.

PAYMENT___ Check (payable to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration)___ American Express ___ MasterCard ___ Visa Total amount charged/enclosed $ _______

Card Number_______________________________________Expiration Date__________Signature____________________________________________________________________

Thank you for participating. Enjoy your program!

PROGRAM TITLE PARTICIPANT’S NAME AGE 1ST CHOICE DATE 2ND CHOICE DATE AMOUNT

Join us for a beach cleanup on Sunday, September 30 See page 11 for details.

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October 3, 2007 at 7:00pm RSVP to www.imax.com/providence/mystic

Go back in time to see the creatures of the sea, 82 million years ago. This film follows a curious and adventurous dolichorhynchops – familiarly known as a ‘dolly’ as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. Playing in stunning IMAX 3D!

Feinstein IMAX is located at Providence Place Mall, Providence, RI

you’re invitedto a FREE PREVIEW screening just for our members

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is dedicated to conservation. PLEASE RECYCLE.

The mission of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, a non-profit organization, is to inspire people everywhere to care about and protect our oceans by exploring and sharing their biological, ecological and cultural treasures.

MADE POSSIBLE WITH

THE SUPPORT OF

WE ARE ACCREDITED

BY THE

Saturday, September 29, 200710:00 am - 4:00 pm

What better way to celebrate our members than with National Estuaries Day! We’ll have festivities, fun and activities for the whole family. Learn about our two largest estuaries, Narragansett Bay and Long Island Sound, and how they are affected by climate change. We’ve invited several

membership appreciation day: celebrate our national estuaries!

other organizations to join us and share with you programs and learning experiences that are both fun and informative.

For members, we’ll have some extra special activities, including raffle prizes and a free gift for the first 400 members!

Members: FREENon-members: included with the cost of daily Aquarium admission.