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)

• 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

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

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

In case you haven’t thrown your cowboy hat in the ring, there’s still time. Here’s some info from the Oklahoma Aquarium:

Time is running out to have a big impact with a small donation to the Oklahoma Aquarium. The Truckin’ For Turtles Contest is entering its final 10 days with the drawing for prizes set for Labor Day, September 7th at 11:00. Truckin’ For Turtles Tickets are being sold online and at the Oklahoma Aquarium ticket office for $20 each or 6 for $100. All money raised will help build a public exhibit, for two giant sea turtles, currently behind the scenes at the Aquarium. Ticket holders go in the drawing for a new Ford Ranger SuperCab donated by Bill Knight Ford. Other prizes include a private sleepover in the Aquarium, a private tour to see the sea turtles up close at feeding time and tickets to the Aquarium.

The Oklahoma Aquarium has received a $500,000 challenge grant to build the $1.5 million sea turtle exhibit. The two, 200-pound Loggerhead Sea Turtles have been living behind-the-scenes, and waiting for a public exhibit since 2004. All sea turtles are either endangered or threatened, so it is the mission of the Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation, staff and volunteers to share these beautiful animals with visitors to foster greater appreciation and protection.

For more Truckin’ For Turtles details, including a special video of the sea turtles, please visit www.okaquarium.org.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

P.S. Here’s a look at the Oklahoma Aquarium exhibit:

The open house will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Rosser Conservation Education Center at the zoo.

The program is open to volunteers ages 14-18. Students work with animals, help at special events and assist with other work at the zoo. Each year, 35 Junior Curators are chosen, and they each volunteer 100 hours at the zoo. Applications will be available in the zoo guest relations office and online beginning May 15.

For more information, call 425-0275.

Below, check out a collection of Oklahoman photos of junior curators working at the Oklahoma City Zoo. (Click on the pictures to make them bigger.)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

I found out some terrible news today: I’ll never be able to swim in the Gulf of Mexico again.

A Shell Oil Company underwater camera captured this Magnapinna squid near the seabed last year. As if the squid weren’t creepy enough on it’s own, it has elbows. Yes, elbows. Or at least the squid version of elbows.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Seems Otto didn’t like the spotlight above his aquarium. He figured out he could crawl to the edge of his enclosure and shoot out the light with a jet of water.

Problem was, when Otto shot out his light, it shorted the electricity to the whole aquarium, edangering the other creatures who lost water pumps and other electrical equipment that maintained their environment.

Staff raised the light up so Otto can no longer reach it, and they are trying to find ways to keep him occupied. Apparently Otto gets bored. He’s been known to chuck rocks that damage the glass in his aquarium and has even juggled some of the hermit crabs that share his tank.

If idle hands are the devil’s workshop, than Otto has four pair of devil’s workshops.

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean

• - Big cat injures sanctuary volunteer. (Broken Arrow)
• - Aquarium in Jenks displays fish fo the toothy variety.
• - A doggone wacky holiday in Norman.
• - Amid financial crisis, pets still faring well. (Nation-wide)
• - Disabled cat ready to get rolling in Norman.
• - Pet Tales: Goofy tale. (Oklahoma City)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll