New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Ocean Explorium has installed a new Sea Scallop Touch Tank, part of the growing Living Laboratory of aquaria and live exhibits.
The Ocean Explorium’s newest exhibit allows visitors to actually hold a live scallop in their hand. “People are drawn to life,” said Explorium Director Mark Smith. “Zoos and aquariums have come to understand this natural inclination, and live exhibits are designed to allow the public as much access as can safely be permitted.”
“Sea Scallops are an important animal to the citizens of New Bedford. Now, they can see and even touch a live Sea Scallop,” Smith said. “What a great way to learn about this fascinating animal.”
Dedicated to the memory of Ernest and Mary Dalzell, the tank houses several sea scallops, ranging in size from three inches in diameter to over seven inches in diameter.
Warren Gibbons, Exhibit Curator, installed the Sea Scallop exhibit with assistance from volunteer Greg Clear. The new exhibit joins the Rocky Shore touch tank, opposite the Ray and Shark touch tank which opened in July.
The Ocean Explorium, located at 174 Union Street in Downtown New Bedford, is open Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, and is handicap accessible through the building’s rear entrance.
