Monterey Bay Aquarium to Launch Interactive Ocean-Themed Exhibit

The gallery features an expanded African penguin habitat, a massive 20-foot-long coral reef with a custom wave machine, and whimsical displays of big-belly seahorses. While the space is tailored for children aged two to six, it remains accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. CEO Jenny Gray noted that the exhibit intentionally selects charismatic species to activate a child's "empathy engine" through play, transforming abstract conservation concepts into physical, joyful interactions.

Designers developed the space based on research indicating that empathy drives long-term environmental stewardship. To reinforce this, exhibition labels are written in a storytelling style, positioning the animals as protagonists. Vice President of Exhibitions Emily Saich explained that the team incorporated feedback from young visitors to ensure the movements and language feel intuitive. Beyond the interactive play areas, the exhibit serves as a platform for critical conservation messaging, particularly regarding the threats of climate change and overfishing facing endangered species like the African penguin.