LONG BEACH, Calif. – Once upon a time, The Aquarium of the Pacific was overflowing with families and animal lovers, all appreciating the sights of marine life. But COVID-19 is now giving the animals some alone time.

The aquarium closed its doors to the public on March 14 and while guests may not be present, the animals still need to be tended to.

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“The animals don’t take a vacation. They have to be fed and cared for. The water quality has to be maintained. The life support systems have to be maintained,” said Dr. Jerry Schubel, President of The Aquarium of the Pacific.

One main essential that must be maintained, is meals. The employees onsite now are those deemed essential, cautiously carrying out the duties that will protect marine life, while also protecting themselves.

“People here working, who are critical to the institution, are practicing social distancing. We insist upon it,” Schubel said.

 

It takes $2 million a month to keep the aquarium operating, and 75 percent of their funding is from ticket sales. President Schubel hopes the closures will end sooner than later. In the meantime, he is encouraging aquarium supporters to make the most of their online academy resources.

“We have lectures. Aquatic academies. Aquatic forums. Things for kids to do. Games. Puzzles. There are a series of live cameras, so that people can just go on and watch the animals and what they’re doing to cope with this crisis,” said Schubel.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control, there have not yet been any reports of pets, zoo or aquarium animals becoming ill from COVID-19.