Situated on the Chula Vista bayfront, the Living Coast Discovery Center, South Bay’s only zoo and aquarium is reopening its doors on May 1, for the first time in nearly 14 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Living Coast is home to plant and animal species native to Southern California, with exhibits of plant and animal species, including sea turtles, leopard sharks, reptiles and a large collection of hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, and more. Living Coast members get a sneak peek preview on April 30.
“We cannot wait to finally welcome visitors back to the Living Coast,” said Executive Director Ben Vallejos in a press release. “This extended closure has been challenging for us, and we would not be here without the incredible support and dedication of our donors, fans, members, volunteers and staff. We look forward to once again making connections between families and native wildlife, which is at the core of our mission.”
Living Coast Discovery Center Marketing and Communications Manager Rachel Harper said it had to adapt to the pandemic, but it had much community support and were able to fundraise enough, which made it possible to open its doors again.
“We were able to provide a lot of virtual options during our closure. We survived. That is the important part,” said Harper. “We are really excited to finally welcome people back. We have seen and heard from so many people that have been waiting a long time. We hope that everyone can make it out.”
Harper said guests old and new will be in for a surprise with a couple of new wildlife additions, and a new look at some of exhibits that have changed during the pandemic.
Living Coast’s summer camps are back from June 14 through July 16 for ages 4-18 years old. Summer Camp includes animal encounters, games, outdoor activities, the ability for children to discover science and conservation, and increase their passion and knowledge of local wildlife.
Harper said it has and continues to do its conservation work for the state and federally light-footed Ridgway rail, found only in Southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico.
Harper said though the Living Coast used to be opened every day, right now it is only open for weekends.
“We are offering Monday through Friday reserved group tours, so anybody that is not 100% comfortable coming in over the weekends and want the whole place to themselves or their family, they can go to our website and book one of those tours. It is a private two-hour tour with an animal encounter,” she said.
Harper said Living Coast’s website and social media platforms are the best guide of way to keep up with current changes and events during the pandemic.
“Right now, we are requiring masks as mandated,” she said. “We are not requiring any reservations or advanced tickets. We will have social distancing, asking health screening questions, so for anything about these kinds of questions visit our website or give us a call.”
Follow the Living Coast Discovery Center on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or visit www.thelivingcoast.org.
