An all-new fall adventure is happening now at Newport Aquarium that has visitors exploring an underwater world in a whole new light.
Through Nov. 3, Underwater Pumpkin GLOW takes people on a journey filled with larger-than-life sculptures of their favorite animals, reimagined as glowing pumpkins. These glowing pumpkin animals can be seen hovering above or submerged with the animals in the exhibits.
Visitors can see the illuminated pumpkin creation of a giant Pacific octopus resting on the sea floor of the 385,000-gallon shark tank. The octopus towers above visitors while the sharks, rays and fish explore the huge addition to their home. Visitors may even get to see Denver, the curious loggerhead sea turtle, taking a closer look at the illuminated sea creature.
The glowing octopus is more than decoration, it provides a benefit to the animals living in the exhibit by changing up their environment allowing them to showcase their natural behaviors. As visitors go through the underwater pumpkin patch in the “Surrounded by Sharks Tunnel,” they find sharks and hundreds of fish using the pumpkins as an artificial reef. Like the activity you might see on a real coral reef, the animals are able to forage for food among the pumpkins as another form of enrichment.
“When you are caring for animals, enrichment is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy,” said Kelly Sowers, General Curator at Newport Aquarium. “The Jack O-Lanterns are a fun way for our animal friends to sharpen their instincts while providing them with a tasty and seasonal treat.”
The immersive experience of Underwater Pumpkin GLOW is free with admission or membership.