Newswise — The species portrayed as Nemo and Dory in the popular Disney/Pixar film "Finding Nemo" are now seeking fish foster parents through the Adopt-A-Fish program at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.
Participants can sponsor the clown anemonefish or the blue tang for $50 a year. Birch Aquarium at Scripps established this new lower adoption rate so that even more ocean enthusiasts could enjoy the fun and personal reward of supporting the well-being and care of their favorite marine species.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps also welcomes another new arrival to the aquarium and its Adopt-A-Fish program. The elusive ribboned seadragon, rarely seen in the wild or aquariums, lives in the warm, tropical waters of northern Australia. Aboriginal art depicts this unique animal as the "rainbow serpent" - a long mythical creature with parts resembling different animals. Annual sponsorships for ribboned seadragons are $500.
These three species join a diverse group of animals in the Adopt-A-Fish program, including octopus, sharks and jellyfish. The tax-deductible sponsorships help support and enhance the aquarium's animal family, as well as its award-winning breeding efforts that reduce the need for other aquariums to collect in the wild.
Adoptions make great gifts for ocean lovers. They are also an excellent way to learn more about a favorite marine species by becoming connected with their care and habitat. Fish foster parents receive a personalized adoption certificate, digital photo and fact sheet of their animal species, annual recognition in the aquarium's member newsletter and complimentary passes to Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Additional benefits accompany higher sponsorship levels, which range up to $1,000, depending on the species' care and feeding needs. Individuals, families, school classes, community groups and organizations are welcome to adopt.
For more information, or to adopt online, visit http://aquarium.ucsd.edu.
Adoption Levels:
$50Clown AnemonefishBlue Tang
$100Moon JellyGaribaldiSardines
$150California Spiny LobsterSea StarCalifornia Moray Eel
$200StingrayStonefishCoral Reef
$250LionfishLeopard SharkBlack-tipped Reef Shark
$500Ribboned SeadragonGiant Sea BassScythe Butterflyfish
$1,000Sea DragonOctopusPacific Seahorse
RSS