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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. 
What can do you to help protect the oceans?
Zoo's Sea Lion Gives Birth at Temporary Home
Calli, 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
Earlier 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
Construction 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
Ocean-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).
more about coral and other cnidarians
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Invertebrate Photo Gallery |
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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
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. 
