Side Quest: Cal Academy of Sciences

Today I dragged my boyfriend along to the Cal Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. It's a fantastic place where you can learn, admire, and even interact with various animals and minerals. Here's us in Golden Gate park on our way into the academy.

We went inside and got some tickets for a planetarium showing, then headed downstairs to the aquarium. This is the first time I've seen their albino alligator, Claude, out in the open! 

(Japanese Sea Nettle, Philippines coral reef, Spotted Jellies,
Cleopatra Beetles, Python Cuddle Puddle)

We saw "Habitat Earth" in the planetarium. It was an animated experience which spoke about the way organisms are connected, and our impact as humans on those ecosystems. Especially with the advent of technology, we are able to carry foreign species around the globe, creating extreme changes in earth's habitats.

I prefer their other show "Fragile Planet", but the planetarium is always a treat to be in anyway.

After the show, we were able to see a travelling exhibit from New Zealand about whales. Wyatt is standing next to them so we can see a bit of size comparison. They also had tools from the Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand). I was informed later... that photography is prohibited. Sorry.

Downstairs from the display,is the tropical vivarium where they let butterflies and Macaws fly free. They also display quite a few amphibians, reptiles, and arachnids (behind glass).

There was a final display called "Color of Life". A display of various animals' ability to camouflage. I wanted to see their Day Octopus very badly, but I think they took him out of the tank. :( 

Here's a small newt, though.

And that was our day. Here's a picture of a sick pressed penny I got. Also a sketch I did of a horny toad with a wristband and my ticket from the Academy.