Who can hear the familiar notes of the Beatles’ classic, “Yellow Submarine,” without feeling like the ocean is nearby? Patrons of the upcoming Symphony by the Sea, 6:00 p.m., August 25, 2012 will have the closest substitute in the Oklahoma Aquarium. Symphony by the Sea is a cooperative fundraiser to benefit the educational programs of both the Aquarium and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and specifically Symphony by the Sea for Students. The collaborative program immerses school children in arts and science education by introducing them to both classical music and aquatic life. Since joining forces in 2010, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and Oklahoma Aquarium have educated and entertained more than 3,000 students through stations such as Brass by the Boat and Sharks and Strings.

Adult patrons of the upcoming fundraiser are treated to similar ambience, with the opportunity to dine alongside the shark tank, coral reef or other exhibits. A premier silent auction will be offered throughout the Aquarium Galleries while Tulsa Symphony Orchestra musicians provide the soundtrack for the evening. The musical entertainment will continue with a concert in the Aquarium Great Hall. “Selections from an Octopus’s Garden” will highlight classical, theatrical, and popular music.

The Aquarium and Symphony are pleased to recognize Becky Frank, Chairman of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, as this year’s Honorary Chair of Symphony by the Sea. Frank’s tireless dedication to promoting the Greater Tulsa region by fostering a spirit of regional cooperation through cultural tourism and economic development make her the ideal honoree.

Sponsor tables and tickets are now offered at the following levels: Conductors and Captains, $15,000; Sharks and Strings, $10,000; Reeds and Reef, $5,000; Brass and Bass, $2,500; Paddlefish and Percussion, $1,500; Mermaids and Musicians, $250 per couple. Reservations can be made by contacting Janis Davis, 528-1555, jdavis@okaquarium.org. The Oklahoma Aquarium and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra are both 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations.

SATURDAYS:

10:30 a.m. African Wild Dogs (Wild Dog Drive)

11:00 a.m. Children’s Zoo (Barnyard)

1:15 p.m. Elephant Behavioral Presentation (Elephant Pavilion)

1:30 p.m. Andean Condor & Harpy Eagle (across from picnic pavilions)

1:30 p.m. Great Apes (Great EscApe Building)

2:00 p.m. Upper Aquarium (Noble Aquatic Center)

2:30 p.m. River Otters (Oklahoma Trails)

3:00 p.m. Grizzly Bears (Oklahoma Trails)

3:00 p.m. Sea Lion Habitat (Noble Aquatic Center)

3:30 p.m. Indian Rhino

4:00 p.m. Alligators (Oklahoma Trails)

SUNDAYS:

10:30 a.m. Giraffes

11:00 a.m. Children’s Zoo (Underground)

11:30 a.m. Galapagos Tortoise (Island Life)

1:15 p.m. Elephant Behavioral Presentation (Elephant Pavilion)

1:30 p.m. Andean Condor & Harpy Eagle (across from picnic pavilions)

1:30 p.m. Great Apes (Great EscApe Building)

2:00 p.m. Lower Aquarium (Noble Aquatic Center)

2:30 p.m. River Otters (Oklahoma Trails)

3:00 p.m. Grizzly Bears (Oklahoma Trails)

3:00 p.m. Sea Lion Habitat (Noble Aquatic Center)

3:30 p.m. Indian Rhino

4:00 p.m. Turkey Vulture (Oklahoma Trails Aviary)

• Animal chiropractor helps from head to tail. (Oklahoma City)
• For many students, it’s a zoo out there. (Oklahoma City)
• Metro students work alongside zoo experts. (Oklahoma City, Edmond)
• Lead sickens rare baby bird. (California)
• Wild fishing industries exploring strategies. (Gulf of Mexico)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• City zoo to play host for gorilla conference. (Oklahoma City)
• Pet tales: Everybody loves Sammy. (Yukon)
• Bill updates: Pet fund. (state capitol)
• Shark tales always come with teeth. (Jenks)
• Cuts urged on season, bag limit. (southeast Oklahoma)
• Wolf law could change. (Montana)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Dog, owner hurt in dispute. (Oklahoma City)
• Fish hatchery’s closure could be bad news. (Oklahoma City)
• Benefit walk was Saturday at the zoo. (Oklahoma City)
• Pet Tales: A big, friendly bunch. (Oklahoma City)
• Police seek dog dollars. (Stillwater)
• Center to host nature day Saturday. (Frederick)
• Bone marrow gives patients a new chance. (Sand Springs)
• Staycations, tourism on rise. (statewide)
• Derby set up for wild finish. (Kentucky)
• Super Saver wins as Borel bags another one. (Kentucky)
• Tech Tidbits: My Pet Speaker by Pet Acoustics. (Tuesday, page 3d)
• Rescue set up for animals. (Louisiana, Saturday, page 3a)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Oklahoma City police officer shot by another aiming at charging dog. (Oklahoma City)
• Pet Tales: Comfy, cozy kitty. (Oklahoma City)
• Hatchery might close. (Oklahoma City)
• Opinion: Passage of breeder bill encouraging. (state capitol)
• Bill update: Pet breeders, equine dentistry. (state capitol)
• Wildlife event set. (Freedom)
• Mortality at zoo often beats expectancy. (Tulsa)
• Small stallion could claim record. (New Hampshire, video below)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Shaking off a case of cabin fever? The Oklahoma Aquarium is making it easier on families to get out of the house with Two-For-Tuesdays, Science Under The Stars and Super Shark Sundays. Through February, visitors can enjoy two-for-one admission on Tuesdays, which is most convenient for scheduling around work and school because the Aquarium is open till 9:00. (Free admission applies to the lowest price per pair of tickets purchased.)

There’s an added draw on Tuesday evenings: Science Under The Stars at 6:30. This interactive program hosted by the Aquarium Education Department features hands-on activities, crafts and close inspection of some of the aquatic world’s most mysterious and fascinating animals. The theme Tuesday, February 2nd is 8-Armed Bandits, examining cephalopods including octopus and squid. Please check our website for program themes through February. www.okaquarium.org

Also in February, Super Shark Sundays! This is a contest open to kids to test their shark smarts to win prizes including a family membership. Just visit the Aquarium on any Sunday in February, pick up an entry form at the information desk for your age group, sleuth out the answer to a scientific shark question, then turn it in on your way out. The drawing for final prizes will be March 1st, but J.P. vanEttinger, “Shark Man” will pass out a limited number of smaller prizes to kids showing off their shark knowledge.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Bashing shark saves girl. (New Zealand)
• Groundhogs not welcome. (statewide, page 1D)
• Bee sting helps MS patient feel better. (nationwide, page 2D)
• Exotic pets stalk viewers. (nationwide, page 1D)
• Dear Abby: Older man questions whether to adopt a dog. (Nevada)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Alpacas shine at group’s festivities. (Shawnee)
• Zoo strives to keep animals warm. (Oklahoma City)
• Pet Tales: Cat jumps over fence and into heart of cancer survivor. (Edmond)
• Columnist traumatized by creepy-crawly bugs. (Bartlesville)
• Scientists discover dinosaur was red. (Washington, D.C.)
• Target salmon goes wild. (nationwide)
• Set examples as responsible pet owner. (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Brandi Moss, an aquarist at the Oklahoma Aquarium, touches one of the aquarium's loggerhead turtles. All six species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened, meaning they are on the verge of extinction.

Looking for somewhere to take your kiddos in the Tulsa area because school is out? The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks has you covered:

It’s warm and dry inside the Oklahoma Aquarium and starting at noon Thursday, January 7th, it’s also a quick solution for working parents whose kids are out of school due to the severe cold. A special Cold Weather SeaCamp will be held from noon to 5:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 to 5:00 on Friday. The cost of the camp is $20 on Thursday and $30 on Friday. Late pick-up is available till 5:30 for an additional $5 both days. Early drop-off is available Friday at 8:30 for $5. This fee is discounted from the Aquarium’s regularly scheduled SeaCamps as a community service during this dangerously cold weather. This means parents can make it to work and have a safe, fun, educational place for their children for $4 or less per hour. Children are asked to bring a sack lunch and wear warm layers as temperatures vary in different parts of the Aquarium. Call ahead registration is recommended as attendance is limited to the first 100 children each day. Call (918) 296-FISH. Details are on our website, www.okaquarium.org.

Maybe your kids will have a chance to see awesome turtles like the one shown here. They probably won’t get to touch them, though.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll