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by Nancy Tomberlin
Looking for activities in La Paz for the whole family? The
new Aquarium Museum of the Californias is now open in La Paz.
Thirty-six years ago Luis Kasuga, a fishery engineer, had
a dream to build an aquarium in Baja but was unable to get the support
needed. His efforts and desires never stopped, as he continued to share
his knowledge in other parts of Mexico with the building of aquariums in
Mexico City, Mazatlan and VeraCruz. Finally, Governor Leonel Cota Montano
and the state government supported the idea in La Paz by offering the use
of the Governor’s Mansion (3.2 hectors) overlooking the La Paz Bay. Also,
assisting in the project is Semarnat with federal funds of 30 million
pesos for the construction and equipment needed. Recently, Baja
California Sur’s newly elected governor Agundez visited the aquarium to
express his support and enthusiasm for its future. And now, with the help
of many people and volunteers La Paz, BCS has an aquarium “Museo Acuario
De Las Californias”.
 To
begin your tour, at the entrance you will walk by several tiered
freshwater ponds surrounded by lush vegetation with underwater viewing
glass. These ponds will host a variety of large freshwater species from
all parts of the world including crocodiles and turtles. As you approach
the front of the mansion you will be impressed by a breathtaking view of
the bay, more ponds filled with exotic fish and plants even a waterfall.
On the terrace there are several small freshwater tanks hosting a variety
of species. There are tanks with tropical plants that have a swamp like
mist to replicate the tropics. The saltwater marine display is mainly
inside the mansion at this time. There is an area for larger species, an
area for corals and tanks with clams, lobsters, starfish, nudibranches,
shrimp, rays, along with other marine life found in the Sea of Cortez and
other parts of the world. Have you ever wondered what these species eat
or how they take care of themselves? Well, you can find the answers here,
as there are several knowledgeable volunteers willing to assist you.
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Luis Kasuga and others involved at the aquarium share
three important goals. The first being that the aquarium is for the
children of the desert so it needs to be affordable to all families, the
second is it must create an educational environment opportunity and last
that it will provide investigation opportunities to all countries of the
world. Luis Kasuga shared this philosophy, “This aquarium is for all
people and for many years people had to travel to the USA or other
countries. Now, all people will enjoy seeing all the species that are
living in front of their houses. The happiness of the people is our real
happiness. We are millionaires with no money…”
Long-range plans are for many larger aquariums outside the
mansion even one large enough to house two whale sharks. Other plans are
to make many classrooms, a conference room, a museum upstairs and to offer
swimming lessons in the pool. Presently, a coffee and snack bar is soon
to open. But that is not all… right in front of the mansion is a small
coral reef, one of two within the bay. Here the aquarium would like to
offer snorkeling so visitors may get a first hand impression of the real
underwater world.
The aquarium is open daily 10AM to 2PM and is located just
3 miles north of La Paz next to La Concha Hotel. For the time being there
is no admission charge, as many exhibits are empty and species are
arriving daily. Upon completion of the first stage a small fee will be
charged.
The aquarium is managed and operated by the state through
an organization known as Patronato. The aquarium is a non-profit
institution to conserve the Gulf of California and is in need of
volunteers, contributions and organizations wanting to sponsor exhibits.
For more information contact the aquarium.
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