The Da Vinci Science Center (DSC) announced Wedensday the success of its Save Our Sea Creatures (S.O.S.) campaign and the opening of its new Ocean Touch Tank exhibit for the public on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013.
Highlighting the Center’s What On Earth? exhibit area, the touch tank has been a visitor favorite since its premiere in 2006. The Da Vinci Science Center is one of few American locations away from a coastline that has an ocean touch tank.
The Center began its $20,000 Save Our Sea Creatures campaign in June 2013 after its tank developed two cracks. The campaign raised more than $14,200 in cash with donations from visitors, supporters, and The Century Fund of Allentown, Pa. The Center also received more than $11,000 in in-kind materials and aquarium products from EcoTech Marine of Allentown, Pa.;American Aquarium & Pet Supply of Orefield, Pa.; AVAST Marine Works of Maurertown, Va.; andNeptune Systems of Morgan Hill, Ca.
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The new 540-gallon glass tank includes state-of-the-art technology, including LED lights that provided enhanced views of sea creatures swimming in midst of live rock on a soft new bed of sand. The new tank’s premiere also provides an early introduction to the Da Vinci Science Center’s Year of Innovation project, which begins in Oct. 2013, said Lin Erickson, the Center’s Executive Director and CEO. The Center’s latest workforce development initiative will highlight innovative companies in all scientific and technical industries.
“Our fans, our partners, and our team members have risen with overwhelming support to this unexpected challenge to make sure that future generations continue to be inspired by this unique experience,” Erickson said. “The new tank’s creation by an innovative rising company in our backyard like EcoTech Marine also demonstrates the vibrancy of our region’s new scientific and technical workforce.”