DR. BURNEY LEBOEUF - Elephant Seal Field Studies

Elephant seals have fascinated scientists ever since they made a successful comeback from the brink of extinction. Dr. LeBoeuf has studied elephant seal behavior for many years to learn about reproductive behavior, parenting methods, and diving and feeding habits.

Turn the wheel at this exhibit and see what the seals are doing out at Año Nuevo Island at different times of the year. Observe elephant seal behaviors and predict what they are up to.

See some stories of how science works in exhibits such as:

DR. DANIEL COSTA - Expedition to Antarctica

See the daily photos and log of the team at the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Close-ups of the ferocious leopard seal contrast with the serene yet barren beauty of one of the wildest places on Earth.

DR. JIM ESTES - Otter and Killer Whale Interactions

Dr. Estes has studied the role of sea otters in the coastal ecosystem of Alaska’s Aleutian archipelago since the early 1970s. He linked the dramatic population decline of sea otters in the 1990s to killer whales that were unable to find enough of their usual seal and sea lion prey.

What did the killer whales do for food? Be a science sleuth. Look at the clues, gather evidence, and make a case.

DR. JOHN PEARSE - Tidepool Ecology: Long-term Observations

John Pearse has studied life in the intertidal for more than 25 years, returning to the same locations to document how they change—or don’t change—over time. Each visit involves the same routine of observation. He uses a transect grid to count and record the plants and animals present.

Can you see the differences or similarities between two tidepools?

DR. RON SCHUSTERMAN - Pinniped Sensory Abilities

Dr. Schusterman runs tests to determine both in-air and underwater sound detection thresholds of California sea lions, harbor seals, and elephant seals. He fits the animals with headphones to test how they respond to various tones. The seals are trained to press a button if they hear the tone.

Listen to a telephone conversation with a seal. It can be hard to hear them! Learn how hard it might be for them to communicate with each other while under water.

Exhibits: what is science, why is science important, who are scientists, and questions science asks.