Blue Tongued Skink and Pink Toed Tarantula Take Center Stage as Aquarium of the Bay Previews New Land Animal Exhibits

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ — New shades of wild, in the form of a Blue Tongued Skink and a Pink Toed Tarantula, will be previewed at Aquarium of the Bay’s “Wild Colors: Invasion of the Land Animals” event on Saturday, February 28 from 1-3pm. Led by the Aquarium’s Husbandry and Conservation departments, “Wild Colors” is part of a series of public events providing sneak peeks into the Aquarium’s much-anticipated new exhibits, which will open April 4, 2009.

The Blue Tongued Skink, of the Tiliqua species, is native to Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania, where it enjoys temperatures ranging from the mid-high 80′s to 90′s to remain active. While docile by nature, when it does become disturbed, it frightens predators away by flashing out its blue tongue, puffing up its body and hissing loudly, making it seem larger and more threatening than it really is.

Another creature that is friendly in reality but appears threatening is the Pink Toed Tarantula, Avicularia avicularia. The animal is found throughout South America and has become incredibly adaptable to humankind’s expansion, living everywhere from trees to behind toilets in gas stations. The New World spider species is non-venomous and typically utilizes running and hiding as its defense method. When a more aggressive method is required, it reacts by flicking tiny bristles or urticating hairs at its enemy, which can cause skin irritation.

The Invasion of the Land Animals events include live animal showing and interaction, hands-on activities and more. The events are free with Aquarium admission. Upcoming dates include:

• February 28: “Wild Colors” featuring the Blue Tongued Skink and Pink Toed Tarantula
• March 8: “Spring Forward” featuring the Pacific Tree Frog and Western Toad
• March 14: “Shells” featuring the Western Pond Turtle and Cherry Headed Red Legged Tortoise
• March 21: “Soft and Prickly” featuring the Chinchilla and African Pygmy Hedgehog

The Blue Tongued Skink and Pink Toed Tarantula will be part of PG&E Bay Lab, a unique interactive climate change exhibit sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The exhibit features land-dwelling animals as nature’s ambassadors, promoting energy conservation to protect their habitats from the potential impact of climate change.

About Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is a unique nature center dedicated to creating experiences that inspire conservation of the San Francisco Bay and all marine environments. It is the only aquarium featuring exhibits focused specifically on the rich and diverse aquatic life and distinctive ecosystems of the Bay and its neighboring 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 www.aquariumofthebay.com.

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SOURCE Aquarium of the Bay