Aquarium of the Bay has announced that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is providing major funding for its upcoming climate change exhibit. Scheduled to open in April 2009, the 1, 200 square foot PG&E Bay Lab exhibit will feature local animals that live in and near the San Francisco Bay as "ambassadors" promoting energy conservation to help protect their habitats from the potential impact of climate change.
"PG&E is proud to partner with Aquarium of the Bay on this first of its kind climate change exhibit, " said Nancy McFadden, senior vice president of public affairs for PG&E. "The Bay Lab will provide a unique opportunity for Californians to learn about conservation, renewable energy and the impact of climate change on our native habitats."
"The grant from PG&E provides an exciting opportunity for Aquarium of the Bay to bring this exhibition off the planning table and into reality, and share new animal experiences with our guests, " stated John Frawley, CEO of Aquarium of the Bay. "This is yet another way that PG&E continues to
assert itself as a true community partner."
The opening of PG&E Bay Lab will mark the first time that Aquarium of the Bay has put land-dwelling animals on exhibit. Tanks featuring animals such as turtles, snakes, spiders and frogs will compliment the Aquarium’s popular touch pools of sharks, bat rays and tide pool invertebrates. All animals chosen for the PG&E Bay Lab will share a unique climate change message, which will be presented in a variety of ways. Specially-trained interpretive naturalists will lead thought-provoking presentations, facilitate hands-on contact with many of the animals and engage visitors in climate change-focused science experiments. State-of-the-art interactive displays will pique visitor curiosity, as well as inspire green actions long after their visit.
Reflecting PG&E’s dedication to renewable energy sources, PG&E Bay Lab will utilize solar energy as a power source. PG&E Bay Lab is one of four new exhibitions opening at Aquarium of the Bay in April 2009; the others will focus on the National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), jellies and
octopuses.
PG&E’s sponsorship will also enable Aquarium of the Bay to add climate change-related content to its popular California State Science Standards-based education program. Last year, Aquarium of the Bay provided free classes and tours to educate and entertain nearly 16, 000 Bay Area school children.
About Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has a long history of making charitable grants tailored to the wide variety of needs of the communities it serves. The company’s broader program of support to communities includes cash grants, in-kind contributions, and volunteers for community-based nonprofit organizations, schools and selected government programs throughout northern and central California. All charitable contributions are entirely funded by PG&E Corporation shareholders, and the level of charitable giving does not affect gas and electric rates. Pacific Gas and Electric Company is a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation, one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20, 000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 15 million people in northern and central California.
About Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium of the Bay is a unique nature center dedicated to creating experiences that inspire conservation of the San Francisco Bay and all marine environments. It is the only aquarium featuring exhibitions focused specifically on the rich and diverse aquatic life and distinctive ecosystems of the Bay and its surrounding waters. The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and certified as a Green Business by the city of San Francisco.
