MONTEREY DAYS: The recent news from the Monterey Bay Aquarium that Toola, "the most important animal in the aquarium's sea otter program," had died was certainly sad (the 28-year-old otter passed away due to "natural causes and infirmities of age." But her legacy was great; legislation protecting our sea otters was inspired by Toola, who served as a surrogate mom to pups without parents. It's a reminder that the institution is not simply about delighting visitors with tanks teeming with colorful fish; there are, if you'll excuse our cheekiness, bigger fish to fry, or, in aquarium's case, to save with important legislation and vocal support.
cr: Randy Wilder/Monterey Bay Aquarium
NOW, ONTO THE TANKS: We wanted to pause to commemorate Toola, but the aforementioned tanks full of colorful creatures will get their Monterey due, too, and very soon: The Jellies Experience debuts on Saturday, March 31. The gelatinous, spindly floaters will get their own experience, where, we expect, they will positively supernatural and alien-like. (Though, like us, they are also earthlings, as hard as that can be to believe.) Follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Facebook for more jelly-rific updates.
