SeaWorld San Diego held a groundbreaking for its new animal exhibit, Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience on Friday, Nov. 3, coinciding with National Jellyfish Day. The new exhibit is set to open in spring 2024, with three different galleries showcasing various species of jellyfish alongside educational graphics.
On the day of the groundbreaking, some pieces of concept art for the galleries were displayed. In the first gallery, visitors will be immediately greeted by a few different species of jellyfish and some unique habitats, including upside-down jellies, sea nettles, and moon jellies. As they walk into the second gallery, visitors will be surrounded by an iconic arch of moon jellies. At the same time, SeaWorld will show an 18-foot cylinder, the largest of its kind in the country.
In the last gallery, visitors will encounter over 10 different jellyfish habitats with immersive media. Educational opportunities will be provided as well, allowing them to learn about the environmental perils of plastics in the oceans.
Next year also marks SeaWorld San Diego’s 60th anniversary.
“The opening of the jellyfish exhibit will be just one of the many ways we will celebrate our 60th anniversary next year. We are planning for an incredible ongoing celebration all year next year,” said Jim Lake, SeaWorld San Diego park president.
After the ceremony, there was a tour of the aquarium lab. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about jellyfish and touch them. Children who were invited to the event asked questions to curators, such as whether moon jellies sting, if they have eyes, what kind of food they eat, and more. One child exclaimed, “It’s gooey!” after touching a moon jelly.
In the new exhibit, visitors will have the chance to touch jellyfish as part of an upgraded tour that takes them behind the scenes, where SeaWorld raises these species.
SeaWorld is trying to provide educational lessons that are vital for protecting the oceans, not only offering thrilling experiences as a theme park.
“We are very excited to have a new animal experience to showcase several different species of mesmerizing and unique animals and bring the educational aspect of how they play in the ecosystems and how they can help us learn about ocean health,” said Danielle Castillo, a curator of the aquarium.
The educational part will be particularly crucial for the next generation. Both Castillo and Mark O’Connor, a volunteer with Surfrider San Diego County, emphasize the importance of encouraging children to use reusable items and reduce plastic waste.
“I am excited to be able to share the teaching opportunity with children so they can move forward and help us to make changes for the environment,” Castillo said.
The Jellyfish Experience will be the newest immersive and interactive aquarium at the park, offering exclusive galleries and media. SeaWorld pass members will receive a preview of the new exhibit before it opens to all guests. For more information, park hours, and purchase tickets, visit SeaWorld San Diego.
