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From the largest animals on the planet (blue whales) to microscopic plants, the oceans contain a tremendous variety of life. About one-quarter million marine species have been described already, and some scientists believe there may be several million undiscovered species. link toWhat can do you to help protect the oceans?

Zoo's Sea Lion Gives Birth at Temporary Home

Calli and her pup, photo by Lori DucharmeCalli, the Zoo’s six year-old California sea lion, gave birth to her first pup, a female, on June 17 at her temporary home at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Both mother and pup are healthy and doing well and will come here next spring after their sensory-stimulating exhibit is completed. Read more, see photos, and find out how you can help build the exhibit.

Giant Clams Now on Exhibit

giant clamEarlier this year, the Zoo welcomed several new additions to the Invertebrate Exhibit. Giant clams recently made their debut in the coral tank. They can grow up to nine inches.

They are hunted for their meat and shells, collected for the pet trade, and threatened by the increasing destruction of their coral-reef habitats.

Read more, see photos, and watch a video.

New Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit Under Construction, Old Exhibit Closed

sea lionsConstruction on the Zoo's wonderful new exhibit for its seals and sea lions is well under way. Not only are we creating a better home for our marine mammals but we're also creating a multi-sensory experience with great animal viewing opportunities for visitors. Get all the details.

Help us build the new exhibit!

Before construction began, some animals needed to be relocated, and the surrounding area needed to close for work on a fire-prevention system. American Trail (formerly known as Beaver Valley), home to gray seals, California sea lions, beavers, river otters, wolves, bald eagles, and brown pelicans, has closed temporarily. The animals listed above are currently not on exhibit, with the exception of the river otters, which are currently on view behind the Small Mammal House. Thanks for your patience while we work to improve the Zoo for its animals and visitors.

Spineless Ocean Dwellers

elegance coralOcean-dwelling animals can be found in the Invertebrate Exhibit. The Pacific octopus is one of the stars here, but you will find other fascinating spineless wonders here, such as anemones, urchins, crabs, lobsters, and elegance coral (pictured at left).
link tomore about coral and other cnidarians

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link to Invertebrate Photo Gallery | link toHelp with cam

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The giant Pacific octopus is the world's largest octopus—large males may have an arm span up to 25 feet and weigh more than 100 pounds. Octopuses are mollusks, and are related to squid, cuttlefish, and nautiluses.
Octopus facts | Ocean Living photo gallery

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Caring for Coral

National Zoo scientsts rally to collect, breed, and protect threatened coral. Read all about their efforts in Smithsonian Zoogoer.

Aquatic Animals

From mammals and birds to invertebrates and reptiles, the Zoo is home to many animals that live in freshwater. Beavers, river otters, and brown pelicans reside in Beaver Valley. American alligators, Cuban crocodiles, Amazon River tortoises, and greater sirens can be found at the Reptile Discovery Center. Aquatic insects, water scorpions, and sunburst diving beetles can be seen at the Invertebrate Exhibit. And flamingos, mandarin ducks, and wood ducks can be seen in outdoor exhibits at the Bird House.

Beyond the Zoo

Zoo scientists study a variety of ocean-living animals, from gray seals and sea turtles to fish and coral. more