Stephanie Greenman Stone (415) 321-8119
sstone@calacademy.org

Pat Kilduff (415) 321-8125

Breakfast with Nemo Before the Crowds Arrive

The California Academy of Sciences Offers Docent-Led Breakfast Tours
Before Public Hours on Tuesday, March 29th and Friday, April 8th

SAN FRANCISCO (January 28, 2005) - Breakfast isn't usually the most exciting meal of the day, but at the California Academy of Sciences in downtown San Francisco, standard bagels and muffins are getting a major makeover. On Tuesday, March 29 and Friday, April 8, visitors can spice up their morning meal by taking a docent-led tour of the Academy's aquarium displays and natural history exhibits before the museum opens to the public. Participants will also have the opportunity to talk with one of the Academy's aquatic biologists, who are responsible for feeding and caring for thousands of aquarium inhabitants.

After a continental breakfast, an Academy docent will lead a guided tour of the Academy's exhibits, focusing on the Steinhart Aquarium displays. Visitors can view animals from around the world, including African penguins, Australian lungfish, alligator snapping turtles, and anacondas. Guests can also marvel at the Academy's two-story, 20,000 gallon coral reef tank, which contains live corals, clownfish ("Nemo"), and dozens of other tropical fishes. One of the Academy's aquatic biologists will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate animal husbandry techniques. There's never been a better reason to get out of bed in the morning - especially for visitors who are staying within walking distance of the Academy at one of the dozens of area hotels.

"Breakfast tours" will be offered at California Academy of Sciences on Tuesday, March 29th and Friday, April 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Tours will cost $15 per adult and $10 for children 11 and under. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, call (415) 321-8000.

The California Academy of Sciences, including Steinhart Aquarium and the Natural History Museum, is open to the public at 875 Howard Street, Admission to the Academy at 875 Howard Street is: $7 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with valid ID, $2 for children ages four to 11 and children ages three and younger will be admitted free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. www.calacademy.org (415) 321-8000.

The California Academy of Sciences, the fourth largest natural history museum in the United States, is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum. The Academy is beginning an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. Pritzker prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is designing the new Academy, which is expected to open in 2008.

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