Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) will create an ambassador animal program to connect children to nature, which includes acquiring animals native to Oregon in addition to animal training consultants to develop necessary policies and procedures, training protocols, staff training, and interpretive programming. OCAq will utilize a tiered approach to project development across three years, beginning with small-scale "meet and greet" encounters facilitated by staff. In addition, they will expand the animal handling program to volunteers to increase "meet and greet" opportunities for guests. Ultimately, OCAq's program will provide guests with a meaningful connection to nature. OCAq will work with an external evaluator on a formative and summative assessment that will guide the program messaging and document impacts.