Aquarium of the Bay Expands Husbandry Department in Preparation for Opening Three Major New Exhibits in Spring 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Preparing to open three major
exhibits in Spring 2009, Aquarium of the Bay is expanding its husbandry
department, which is responsible for animal care and field research programs.
Through its recent hire of Keith Herbert as Senior Aquarist and Michael
Grassmann as Aquarist 2, the Aquarium is ramping up to accommodate new Moon
Jellies and Giant Pacific Octopus exhibits, as well as an innovative climate
change exhibit which will bring land-dwelling animals — such as turtles,
lizards and snakes — into the Aquarium for the first time
http://www.aquariumofthebay.com/newsroom.aspx?q=38&y=0&c=1.

“The Husbandry department is thrilled to welcome two new experienced
biologists to its diverse staff,” said Director of Husbandry Christina J.
Slager. “With new exhibits opening in 2009 and the continuation of our shark
conservation research projects, Keith’s and Michael’s extensive experience
will be a tremendous asset.”

The husbandry staff, which also includes Mike McGill, Erin Carter, Melissa
Chaney, Margarita Upton, John Krupa, Aaron Gregory, Jessica Der and Kevin
Gibbs, has a wide range of animal expertise that enables them to effectively
care for the Aquarium’s 20,000 aquatic animals from more than 200 species.

As Senior Aquarist, Herbert will supervise the Husbandry staff, support
exhibit planning and enhancement and participate in the Aquarium’s research
efforts, including sevengill tracking and angel shark tagging. Additional
information on the Aquarium’s field projects can be found at
http://www.aquariumofthebay.com/conservation.aspx?q=10001&c=1. Herbert’s
previous expertise is wide-ranging, from Coral World Ocean Park in the Virgin
Islands to the South Carolina Aquarium to Turtle Bay Exploration Park in
Redding, California.

Grassmann, an avid diver, received his Masters degree in Coastal Zone
Management and is well-versed in working with various shark, ray and turtle
species at organizations including the Rutgers Institute of Marine and Coastal
Sciences and the Adventure Aquarium.

About Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is a unique nature center dedicated to inspiring
conservation of the San Francisco Bay and all marine environments. It is the
only aquarium featuring exhibitions focused on the diverse aquatic life and
ecosystems of the Bay and surrounding waters. The Aquarium is accredited by
the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and certified as a Green Business by
the city of San Francisco. Additional information is available at
http://www.aquariumofthebay.com.

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Christina Slager

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SOURCE Aquarium of the Bay