The Philippine Coral Reef
This exhibit -- 200,000 gallons worth -- is the largest, indoor, living coral exhibit in the world. (The largest coral reef in the world is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.)
According to Charles Delbeek, Senior Aquatic Biologist, most of the coral (98%) comes by way of aquaculture, with some of it nurtured in tanks at the Howard Street facility.
Four thousand fish will make the Philippine Coral Reef their home. Each of the five windows into this world recreates a scene from the reef which inspired this exhibit.
Photo: Philippine Coral Reef Exhibit
Water Planet
Water Planet, near the reef exhibit, is a vision in blue, with the design based on water movement and shapes. Each station represents one quality associated with water -- and animals featured in the aquarium tanks exemplify that particular characteristic. For instance, the section "defense" is devoted to animals with unique defense mechanisms. The "feeding" station illustrates unusual feeding patterns or mechanisms.
Once an hour, the walls of the Water Planet exhibit become a projection screen. The lights dim and a five-minute video addresses the subject of water as one of our most precious resources.
California Coast
A 100,000-gallon tank here emulates the Farallon Islands Marine Sanctuary's aquatic habitat. It includes species found along our state's coast -- including a 165-pound, 70-year-old giant sea bass.
Director of Education, Dr. Meg Burke, discussed the resident octopus and how the animal's intelligence and its ability to escape enclosures led to what she called a "perfect octopus containment system." It turns out the magic formula is a layer of astroturf. The octopus doesn't like the feel of the material on its suckers.
Islands of Evolution
When asked about the "coolest" item in the Islands of Evolution area, Dean of Science and Research Collections, Dr. David Mindell, said it was the movie footage of a marine iguana from the Galapagos. He also pointed to a first-edition of Darwin's Origin of Species.
The displays here build on the islands of Madagascar and the Galapagos, as a way to communicate about our evolutionary history in general. Kids can enjoy a variety of interactive displays here and throughout the facility.
Morrison Planetarium
The planetarium's 90-foot-diameter dome is tilted at a 30-degree angle to create a more integrated experience. In the initial moments of Fragile Planet, the planetarium's inaugural film, you literally feel as though you're leaping off the edge of your seat and into the great abyss in front of you on the 75-foot-diameter screen.
Fragile Planet, narrated by Sigourney Weaver, takes you on a light-speed visual trip from the roof of the Academy of Sciences, to the outer riches of our galaxy and beyond -- exploring the possibility of life elsewhere in the cosmos, and the fragility of life here on Earth.
The Living Roof
We've all seen the Living Roof from below, but when you stand on the deck, surrounded by the 2.5 acres of planted hills, it feels like a genuine sanctuary. The Living Roof (photo) has 1.7 million native plants, tucked into the slopes by way of biodegradable coconut fiber planting trays. The species were selected to attract native birds and butterflies, including the endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly.
As we stood on the roof, a pair of red-tailed hawks and a pair of red-shouldered hawks swooped overhead. Dr. Frank Almeda, Senior Curator of Botany, described how the raptors have acclimated to the presence this new terrain. He also described the Living Roof and its skylights as part of architect Renzo Piano's master plan to integrate the Academy's building with the environment of the park.
From the deck on the Living Roof, you have a clear view to Grand View Park in the Sunset -- one of the hills that inspired the seven San Francisco slopes incorporated as green undulations on the building's rooftop.
See a Photo Gallery of the California Academy of Sciences
Visiting the California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences Website
Grand Opening Celebration: September 27-28, 2008
55 Music Concourse Drive - See location on map
Golden Gate Park - San Francisco
Telephone: (415) 379-8000
Previous Page: Introduction, Rainforests of the World, Philippine Coral Reef
