Our Hometown: UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium

Did you know that Northern Robin can swim and walk? Or that the male sea horse actually gives birth?

That's just some of what you'll discover when you visit the University of Georgia's Marine Education Center and Aquarium.

"We focus on educating school groups and the public about Coastal Georgia, the animals that inhabit Coastal Georgia, their habitats themselves, and ways to conserve those habitats," says Karin Paquin, Assistant Curator at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium.

The facility is nearly 40 years old.

When it opened in the spring of 1972, it was the state's first and only salt water aquarium. Starting with 12 exhibits- it now features 16.

There are 200 live animals here that represent approximately 50 species of fish, turtles, and invertebrates

Karin Paquin is the assistant curator.

"The biggest surprise is the variety of fish you can see. We can see tropical fish... Things like Queen Angel fish are very common at Gray's Reel National Marine Sanctuary."

Through the years, it's become a huge attraction.

Today, more than 35-thousand students and 25-thousand public visitors come to the aquarium each year to get up close and personal with sea life.

The touch tank for kids is certainly a favorite. It's full of hermit crabs, welps, all kinds of creatures so students can get a sense of what these animals feel like and how they live.

So much to learn and even more to see as visitors gain a better understanding and respect for the beauty and complexities of life underwater.

One of the new additions to the aquarium is the artwork on display by local metal sculptor Ed Barbier.

Paquin says it's a different way to appreciate the animals and their habitats.

The Aquarium is open Monday thru Friday, 9 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 10 to 5.

 For more information, visit: http://www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium/