On Cloud 8

These Are Some Of The Best White House Photos From 2015

You never know what the tide will bring, and that keeps us on our toes here at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. But before diving into 2016, here’s a recap of some splendid things that happened in 2015:

1. That time we saw an old friend—and her new friend! (January)

Otter 501, also known as Luna, with a previous pup ©Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

2015 started on a high note when one of our most famous rescued otters, Otter 501—also known as Luna, the star of our auditorium program—had her third successful pup in the wild. It’s always good to see a happy mom and pup, but especially encouraging to see the continuing impact of our Sea Otter Program.

2. That time we had to make a dramatic rescue (March)

Karl Mayer rescues stranded pup 696 at Point Lobos

Most sea otter rescues don’t entail a kayak trip to a rocky shore to extract a distressed critter. But when a stranded pup was reported in a difficult-to-access spot in Point Lobos, Karl Mayer grabbed his kayak paddle and brought pup 696 to safety. While we loved getting to know the adorable pup more during Sea Otter Awareness Week later in the year, that dramatic rescue is hard to forget.

3. That time Disney announced their partnership with Seafood Watch (June)

Having Walt Disney Parks and Resorts commit to serving environmentally-friendly seafood was a magical moment for us.

4. That time our sister org discovered something seriously cute under the sea (July)

What lurks in the deep? Apparently some pretty charming creatures! This deep-sea cephalopod, discovered by researchers at MBARI, captured hearts and earned its nickname the “adorable” octopus.

5. That time a blue whale interrupted a live broadcast (August)

For Big Blue Live, we teamed up with PBS and the BBC to share the incredible conservation story of our beloved bay. What does conservation success look like? It looks like a surprise interruption on live TV from the largest animal ever! Hunted to near extinction, blue whales are now frequent visitors along our coast. Good thing the show was called Big Blue LIVE.

6. That time we got some unexpected visitors (December)

Wild otter mom and pup in our Great Tide Pool

The end of the year brought a very real threat of cuteness overload when a wild otter picked our open ocean Great Tide Pool as the spot to give birth to her new pup. Research shows the best way to handle overwhelming cuteness is to share it with others, so please take some time to check out the adorableness.

Resolution #1: I Will Disclose The Fossil Fuel Ties Of Those Attacking Climate And Clean Energy Policies

Resolution #2: I Will Not Provide False Balance On The Science Of Climate Change

Resolution #3: I Will Provide The Climate Change Context When Reporting On Extreme Weather Events

Resolution #4: I Will Compel Presidential Candidates To Discuss Climate Change, And Hold Them Accountable When They Do

New York City Skyline Reflection

As the evening light casts its glow over the skyline of the city I call home, I feel a constant longing for other cities I have not yet experienced.

I dream of the same light casting its glow on the spaces I wish to walk thousands of miles away.

This lingering longing for places and moments that have yet to be experienced creates a void so deep that its echo is felt in every moment.