Ocean Institute Celebrates "Festival of Whales" with Noted Speakers, Exhibits, Living History Presentations
DANA POINT, CA, February 8, 2007 - The Ocean Institute will join in the City of Dana Point's annual Festival of Whales celebration (see www.festivalofwhales.org) the weekends of March 3 & 4 and 10 & 11 with presentations by noted experts on whales, hands-on exhibits and exciting Living History re-enactments.
Speakers
On March 3, 12:30 p.m., Captain Mike Bursk of the Ocean Institute's RV Sea Explorer will share his special knowledge of the gray whale.
On Sunday, March 4, 12:30 p.m., Sarah Wilson, former Assistant Director of Education and a Dolphin handler at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys, will discuss bottlenose dolphin behavior, acoustics and current research.
On March 10 & 11, 12:30 p.m. both days, Doug Thompson, accomplished author, naturalist, filmmaker, and photo-journalist will discuss his newest book Whales: Touching the Mystery. Doug will share his 30 years of experience studying the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja, Mexico.
Exhibits
On both weekends, the Institute’s learning labs will focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to the whale. Visitors, for example, can listen to underwater whale sounds; children can enjoy hands-on activities, including arts & crafts.
Living History Presentations
The weekend will also include Living History presentations of life onboard whaling ships of the 19th century. On March 3, 4 & 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Institute will present Thar She Blows!, living history demonstrations and activities that offer visitors a glimpse into life at sea during the early whaling days. On March 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy Boarders Away!: The USS Essex's Capture of a British Whaling Ship, with three 20-minute shows onboard the Institute's tallship Pilgrim. Presented by the Naval Historical Education Foundation, visitors can enjoy dramatic gun battles and sword fights and have the opportunity to meet the Living History characters.
Attending the presentation is free with paid admission to the Ocean Institute. Admission is free to members of the Institute. For an additional charge, the Institute offers Marine Mammal Exploration Cruises that go in search of the migrating gray whale. During the two weekends of the festival the Institute’s hours will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For information, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.
< Back |
|
|
