🎉 Exciting Update 🎉 Join us for Game Night at Birch Aquarium as we kick off the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour character meet-and-greet weekend!
This all-ages event takes place on Thursday, March 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
🎟️ Buy Tickets: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/game-night
⭐ Phosphorus: Essential for Life, from Phytoplankton to Food ⭐ Join Dr. Julia Diaz as she explores the discovery of phosphorus, its surprising history, and its vital role in marine and terrestrial ecosystems — from phytoplankton to food!
📅 March 9 | 6:30 to 8 p.m.
🎟 Free for members | $12 public
This is a Little Blue Penguin! You can learn more about this chick in the story below ⬇️
aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/fir...
🐧 Leveled up from fluffball to swimmer! 🎉 With its waterproof feathers now in, our chick is taking the plunge! Join Laura from our Penguin Care Team as she shows how these mini swim sessions help our chick gain confidence, comfort and skills in the water.
23.02.2026 18:54 — 👍 5 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0
🐸 Something un-frog-ettable is hopping your way this #WorldFrogDay! 🎉 We're thrilled to announce an exciting new exhibition, Imagine Wild: Mountain Yellow-legged Frog, opening March 20, 2026.
Learn more about this exciting new exhibition in the story below ⬇️
aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/ima...
A scenic view of a coastal sunset over La Jolla, CA. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting an orange glow over the water. Scripps Pier extends into the ocean, surrounded by buildings and trees in the foreground.
Silhouetted figures stand on a balcony, drinking beverages and gazing at a vibrant sunset over the ocean. A tree is visible on the left, and the sky transitions from orange at the horizon to deep blue above.
A group of five people stand silhouetted against a vibrant sunset over the ocean. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds, and the sun is partially visible near the horizon. Trees frame the scene on one side.
🌅 Sunset: 5:34 p.m.
🐟 Birch Aquarium: Open till 7 p.m.
🎉 Your Sunday evenings just got even better!
Birch After Hours kicks off tonight! That means every Sunday, we’re open until 7 p.m. with discounted admission, music and chill coastal vibes. It’s the perfect way to wind down your weekend!
A small horn shark swims near a rocky surface in an aquarium. The background features aquatic plants, and the text "jaws the two of us" is creatively displayed with musical notes and hearts. At the bottom, "horn shark - birch aquarium at scripps" is noted.
A bright yellow fish is in focus against a dark background. The text says, "tangs for the memories" with hearts around it. At the bottom, it reads, "yellow tang • Birch Aquarium at Scripps."
A loggerhead sea turtle swims underwater against a blue backdrop. Text in a playful font says, "I like you more than I like turtles." In smaller text, it reads, "loggerhead sea turtle - Birch Aquarium at Scripps." Colorful hearts decorate the image.
A wolf eel in an aquarium setting with the text "I r-eel-y like you" above. Hearts are drawn around the text. The bottom text reads "wolf eel - birch aquarium at scripps."
You’re unbe-reef-vable 🪸
Tag or share a #Valentine with your sole-mate
Jessica Meir near Scripps Pier
🚀 Preparing for liftoff in T-minus 12 hours!
Jessica Meir, a #NASA astronaut and @ucsandiego.bsky.social / Scripps alumna, is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station at approx. 2:15 a.m. PT on Feb. 13. Watch the NASA livestream here: bit.ly/461RI2G
Close-up of a dwarf cuttlefish with the text "let's cuttle" above it. The background is a soft blue, and there are heart illustrations. The bottom text reads "dwarf cuttlefish • birch aquarium at scripps."
A mountain yellow-legged frog is on a mossy surface with the text "Don't you frog-et about me" and small heart designs. Below, it reads "Birch Aquarium at Scripps."
Image of Japanese spider crabs underwater, with text saying "be mine? crab-solutely" in playful fonts. Hearts are drawn near the text. At the bottom, "Japanese spider crab - Birch Aquarium at Scripps" is written.
A colorful underwater scene features a brain coral surrounded by vibrant orange fish. Text on the image reads, "Beauty and brains." At the bottom, it says, "Brain coral - Birch Aquarium at Scripps." The background includes various shades of blue and green aquatic plants.
Out of all the fish in the sea… you’re the one for me 😉
Tag or share a #Valentine with someone who makes your heart swim.
Come “Chill” with Polar Scientists! Join us for our next Pop-Up Science event on Feb. 6, from 1-3 p.m.
Explore the fascinating world of polar science and meet @scrippsocean.bsky.social scientists conducting research in and about Antarctica.
aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/pop-s...
Two adult Little Blue Penguins snuggle closely with their chick in a breeding nest box.
A Penguin Care Team member at Birch Aquarium weighs a penguin chick during a brief health check before returning it to its parents.
An adult Little Blue Penguin snuggles closely with its chick in a breeding nest box.
A fluffy Little Blue Penguin chick is weighed during a routine checkup.
🎉 Chick it out! 🐧 For the first time, a Little Blue Penguin chick was raised by its penguin parents on habitat in Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins at #BirchAquarium. This marks another exciting milestone in our ongoing penguin breeding program!
Full story: aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/fir...
🐟 Our version of “boy aquarium” 🐟
Still stuck at the cottage? We have a f-eel-ing a trip to #BirchAquarium might help 🐠 Send this to that special someone you’d want to visit the aquarium with 💙
Colorful illustration from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game showing characters on a sunny island beach during an aquarium-themed event. A wooden sign reads ‘Animal Crossing × Birch Aquarium – Aquarium Tour.’ Characters are fishing, exploring the shore, and swimming in the ocean, with buildings, palm trees and a lighthouse in the background.
📣 UPDATE WITH MORE DETAILS 🎉 Birch Aquarium is thrilled to host a stop on this year’s Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour, in partnership with Nintendo of America — our stop takes place Feb. 16 to March 26, 2026!
Learn more details in the latest update below ⬇️
aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/ani...
📣 UPDATE WITH MORE DETAILS 🎉
aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/ani...
WOW 🤩
27.01.2026 23:49 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour is coming to Birch Aquarium! This exciting partnership with Nintendo of America takes place from February 16 to March 26, 2026.
Learn more about this exciting partnership at the link below ⬇️
🐧 Ever seen a penguin lay an egg? This #PenguinAwarenessDay, enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes moment as one of our Little Blue Penguins lays an egg!
We’ll keep sharing updates throughout the breeding season, so be sure to check back for more penguin moments!
Close-up image of the "mouth" of a coral polyp, showcasing a radial pattern in bright green and purple colors.
Close-up view of a sea star arm against a deep blue background, highlighting its textured surface and tube feet.
A detailed close-up showing the vibrant orange and purple tail of an Ornate Boxfish.
Close-up of a honeycomb moray eel, showing detailed patterns on its skin.
🔎 It’s all in the details …
🪸 Coral
⭐ Sea Star
🧡 Ornate Boxfish
🍯 Honeycomb Moray Eel
From vibrant patterns to dazzling details, next time you visit #BirchAquarium, take a moment to notice the little things.
🌊 Cool Lecture Alert 🎉 Join Dr. Octavio Aburto as he shares exciting insight on a new, holistic approach to ocean conservation, Marine Prosperity Areas!
🐠 Feb. 9 | 6:30–8 p.m.
🎟 Free for members | $12 public
https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/perspectives-lecture-series-february
Tidepooling is an amazing way to explore the outdoors, but it’s important to do so responsibly to protect the incredible creatures that call these habitats home. Here are a few key tips for tidepooling with care. Take a moment to review, share and help spread the word! 💙
09.01.2026 17:53 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
🎉 New Year, New Nighttime Fun 🐟
🍹 Oceans at Night – 21+ event with drinks, music & ocean science. First event: Jan. 29. More dates coming soon!
🌅 Birch After Hours – All-ages evenings with discounted tickets, music & food. Every Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. starting Feb. 16.
Front-facing view of a bright orange Garibaldi fish against a blue underwater background.
Side view of a bright orange Garibaldi fish against a blue underwater background.
Side view of a bright orange Garibaldi fish against a blue underwater background.
🧡 Stunning from every angle 🐟 Garibaldi stand out in the kelp forest thanks to their bright orange coloration, heart-shaped tails and territorial nature.
07.01.2026 16:39 — 👍 3 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Person standing in an immersive digital aquarium exhibit, featuring vibrant images of fish and underwater scenery.
Two people sitting in white chairs wearing headphones and experiencing a virtual reality simulation of an underwater scene.
A person and a child watching a large projection of an underwater scene featuring a scuba diver exploring an underwater research station.
Looking for the perfect place to pause and reflect as this New Year begins? Step into Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base, an immersive underwater escape inspired by the world’s only undersea research habitat. Blending meditation with marine science, experience a tranquil journey beneath the waves.
05.01.2026 19:24 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
