Invasion of the Jellyfish

BALTIMORE, MD - Most people recognize jellyfish, or sea jellies, by their unique transparent bell shape and long dangling tentacles. Gently they float along with the current, waiting to sting an unsuspecting swimmer or washing up on the beach, flattened and rather yucky looking.

A new exhibit, "Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance" opens this Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Here is your chance to learn more about these mysterious creatures and see their beauty up close, without fear of being stung. There are seven different species in a separate exhibit area that showcases their diverse structure and colors. Interactive displays in the area provide short video clips, photos and text, to highlight the devastating impact these animals are having on our world today.

Related to Anemones and Corals, the early stages of the jelly look more like plants on the ocean floor. The familiar shape and texture of the jellyfish we see in the ocean are the free-floating adult medusas. Most of us wouldn't recognize the early stages of their development, as they change dramatically, through several body changes until they become the wandering adults we know as jellyfish.

Jellies have survived some 650 million years and are the largest of the plankton family. The title of the exhibit "Jellies Invasion" isn't a marketing catchphrase but a warning of the damage being caused around the world by increasing populations of Jellies. The introduction of North America's Leidy's comb jelly in the Black Sea has devastated the local fishing economy and was responsible for the collapse of the anchovy industry. We often hear about non-native species invading America but seldom hear the reverse. It is suspected that ships traveling from North America picked up the Leidy's comb jelly in their ballast tanks and were later discharged into the Black Sea. Capable of producing 2000 to 3000 eggs per day, it is almost impossible to eradicate the jellies once they are established.

Other factors suspected to be the cause of increased jelly populations are global warming and overfishing. There is plenty of debate over global warming, add this to controversy. Overfishing and pollution leave a void of fish where jellies can reproduce without predators keeping them in check. Remember the publicity about fishing nets catching and killing sea turtles? One of the mainstays of the sea turtle diet is jellies; a single sea turtle eats hundreds of pounds of jellies a day. Less sea turtles equals more jellies.

The exhibit is small but very well appointed with interactive learning tools and roving experts who are happy to address your questions. The creative lighting and placement of cylindrical tanks highlight the grace and beauty of these floating gelatinous zooplanktons.

Getting there: The National Aquarium in Baltimore is located in the Inner Harbor of downtown Baltimore. opens Saturday, May 23 at 501 E. Pratt St. Tickets are $14.95 - $24.95 for general admission. Call 410-576-3800 or go to aqua.org. Included in the price is the Austrailia exhibit, Rain Forest, other attractions. The Dolphin show and 4D theater are an added charge.

All Aboard a Magical Ride at the National Aquarium

With pocket watch in one hand and oil lantern in the other, the mid-twentieth century train conductor greets us with a drawn out baritone "alllll aboard." Not the usual greeting one would expect at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where people from around the world come to view the more than 16,000 animals, fish, birds and marine life that represent over 660 species.

This particular visit to the aquarium was unlike any other visit to see the many aquatic themed exhibits. This night was a magical night filled with the multi sensory film experience of the "Polar Express." This classic animated film is a fifteen-minute 4-D experience that will take you on a train ride in the aquarium's Immersion Theater. I have seen the full length "Polar Express" in 3-D IMAX that is quite a show, but nothing like this 15 minute, eye popping, in your face version.

I've been to several 3-D movies with varying reviews of quality and I wasn't sure that even with the 4th dimension this would be much different. While I anticipated a few scenes that would make the audience duck as something flew out of the screen, I had no way of knowing what was in store. I was blown away with the fourth dimension. From the opening scene, when the boy is awakened by the arrival of the Polar Express outside his bedroom, I was hooked. Not only was the sound realistic but the seat and entire theater seemed to rumble as if a train had just rolled in. You feel the wind of a passing train on your face and whoosh of the escaping steam cloud from the brakes on your legs. As the steel wheels grind to a stop, the snow that is gently falling in the film is also falling in the theater.

One of best features of this experience takes place in the dining car as dancing waiters break into song and acrobatics as they pass out hot chocolate to the wide-eyed passengers. As the drinks are poured on screen, you can smell the hot chocolate. There are more special effects in the movie and in the previews of coming attractions. While the "Polar Express" may not be what you would typically expect at the aquarium it is fast becoming a holiday tradition to get in the holiday spirit and a chance for audiences to experience the amazing 4-D Immersion Theater. This is a must see film for the family, whether you have kids or not. The "Polar Express 4-D" runs through January 4, 2009.

Remember this theater experience is only one facet of the hundreds of exhibits at the aquarium. Visitors can trek through the Australian outback in the Animal Planet Australian - Wild Extremes exhibit, experience the tropical rainforest, explore the undersea world of aquatic life and see a live dolphin show. This is an excellent adventure for the whole family.

Getting There:
Located at the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland

Hours of Operation Mon-Thur: 9am-5pm Fri: 9am-8pm Sat: 9am-6pm Sun: 9am-5pm Throughout the year, visitors may tour the Aquarium for up to 1 and 1/2 hours after the ticket center closes.

Holiday Closures - Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Admission Rates: From $13 to $29 Total Experience Package includes Aquarium admission, 4-D Theater and the Dolphin Show! Purchase tickets online to ensure entry at your desired time.