Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is opening its new exhibition, Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar, this weekend.
Opening on Saturday, 7 November, the bilingual experience aims to foster empathy for ocean animals through movement and play.
Designed for children aged two to six, Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar combines live animal habitats with interactive displays and immersive activities.
The experience invites visitors to explore different marine environments and learn about the species that inhabit them.
Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Ocean in Motion exhibition features garden eels alongside interactive displays exploring marine life through movement and play Monterey Bay Aquarium
Through role-play and mimicry, visitors are encouraged to see the world from the animals’ perspective and develop a greater appreciation for marine life.
Highlights include a colourful coral reef with a custom-built wave machine, an expanded African penguin habitat where visitors can watch the birds swim and dive, and several play areas.
Other features include interactive experiences inspired by seahorses and leaping blennies, alongside exhibits featuring rays and clownfish.
"The main theme of this exhibit is building empathy with ocean life in kids through movement, so we’ve selected endearing animals that move in fun ways," said Monterey Bay Aquarium CEO Jenny Gray.
She continued: "We want Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar to be a space of discovery, wonder, play, and connection that will make a lasting difference in the lives of our visitors and the health of our ocean.
Visitors can mimic leaping blennies at Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Ocean in Motion exhibition, exploring marine life through interactive playMonterey Bay Aquarium
"By inviting children to move their bodies like a penguin or a leaping blenny and mirror their behaviour, we’re activating their brain’s empathy engine through play, and creating a deep and joyful connection with ocean life."
Per a press release, the experience draws on research showing that empathy is a critical driver of long-term environmental engagement and care for the planet.
Emily Saich, the aquarium’s vice president of exhibitions, said: "We’re hoping visitors of all ages and abilities will move, play, explore, and connect with the animals and leave the Aquarium with a stronger commitment to protecting them and their ocean homes."
