Living Coast Discovery Center

Extreme Home Makeover: Aquarium Edition

Show your support for the Living Coast Discovery Center's aquatic species!

The Living Coast is home to hundreds of aquatic species, many can be found in San Diego’s Bay and Ocean.  As part of our mission to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment, we provide thousands of students and individuals of all ages with an up-close view of aquatic wildlife such as the Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker, Two-Spot Octopus, and Decorator Crab.

Like humans who may renovate our homes, the same goes for sea life. Your support during San Diego Gives will provide much-needed exhibit upgrades for the sea life at the Living Coast. 

Your gift will provide new chillers that reduce the water temperature for species like the Pacific Spiny Lumpsuckers, which need the water to be 20 degrees cooler than other aquatic species; upgraded substrate, the material used on the bottom of the tanks like shells and rocks, that some aquatic species like the Decorator Crab use to decorate their exoskeleton as a form of camouflage so they blend into their environment to evade predators; and pumps and filters which are important for water quality critical for species such as two-spot octopus. 

Over time, exhibit structures, plumbing, and substrate can deteriorate. It is important to ensure the foundation is strong and the interior of each home includes updated pipes and filters, lights, and enhancing décor.

About the Living Coast Discovery Center

The Living Coast Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit zoo and aquarium located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1987 as the Chula Vista Nature Interpretive Center, we have served the San Diego community for over 50 years. We are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

We are a community of staff, volunteers, and wildlife ambassadors.

Our mission is to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment. We envision a thriving natural coast through engaged conservation.