Press Room

Published by The Seattle Met
Seattle’s most beguiling sea creatures were once feared and hunted—and even wrestled—for sport. But new research and a few surprising encounters are changing how we view them. A story in eight parts.

To many of us, going to the Seattle Aquarium may be a way to fill a rainy afternoon, a chance to get a closer look at a particularly fascinating marine creature, or perhaps an opportunity to learn something new about the aquatic world that surrounds us. But to Jim Wharton, a visit to the Aquarium represents an opportunity to be inspired–inspired to empathize with marine creatures and to take action on their behalf.

Photo Opportunity

See Santa diving in the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters exhibit. Santa will tell a special Aquarium holiday story and then pose for pictures with Aquarium guests! Bring your camera, or have your photo taken by our photographer so the whole family can be in the picture.

Media Advisory

Come to the Aquarium and get in the spirit for the winter holidays! See Santa diving in the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters exhibit. Bring your camera, take your picture with Diving Santa and stay perfectly dry! Or have your photo taken by our professional photographer so the whole family can be in the picture. Treat yourself to a seasonal beverage in our café. Enjoy special holiday concerts featuring local Puget Sound groups on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm.

The Seattle Aquarium recently announced the appointment of Grant Abel as the new Director of Life Sciences. He began work in this role this summer. 

The Seattle Aquarium recently announced the appointment of Babs Pinette as the new Director of Marketing and Communications. She began work in this role in September.

Get your Halloween celebration started early! Put on your costume and join us for creepy games and activities, face painting, fun treats and two kinds of pumpkin carving demonstrations—on dry land with master carver Russ Leno and underwater with our Aquarium divers. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to meet everyone’s favorite heroes, the PJ Masks, as they pose with children and families for photos and give out super hugs.

Spring is just around the corner, and Marine Mammal Mania isn’t far behind it! Join the Aquarium April 5-14 to celebrate some of the ocean’s most charismatic animals. Kids and adults alike will enjoy hands-on activities while discovering more about otters and seals.

Yesterday, the House Environment and Energy Committee voted to advance the Reusable Bag Bill, HB 1205, which will reduce plastic pollution in Washington by banning single-use plastic bags at all stores. 

Washington State Reusable Bag Bill announced. Bill to be introduced in 2019 Washington legislative session with the aim of reducing single-use plastic pollution in Washington State.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced that the Seattle Aquarium has been recognized with the 2018 Volunteer Engagement Award for the aquarium’s significant achievement in the Youth Ocean Advocates Volunteer Program. Seattle Aquarium received this national award during AZA’s September conference in Seattle.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Seattle Aquarium, and Woodland Park Zoo were honored with a significant achievement award from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for their collaborative “Fostering Empathy for Animals” project. AZA’s 2018 Education Award was presented last week at AZA’s annual conference in Seattle.