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the Smithsonian's
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. 
Learn more about the wonders of water.
Zoo Sends Student to Study Polar Bears in the Arctic
Cesar Ruano, a senior at a local high school and a participant in the Zoo’s Community Science Workshop, has traveled to Canada to study climate change and observe polar bears in the wild. 
Find out more and read his daily journal.
Sea Lion Pups at the Zoo
The Zoo's rescued California sea lions are now two years old and, in March, weighed about 100 pounds each. The playful marine mammals have learned a lot of training behaviors and participate in the daily demonstrations. They were rescued as newborns in June 2005 on separate beaches in California, and were raised at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, California. more
Spineless Ocean Dwellers
Other
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 right).
more about coral and other cnidarians
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
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. 
