Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to share tokens of affection. At the Oregon Coast Aquarium, that means whiskery kisses from our pinnipeds.

The Aquarium is honoring this annual celebration of love by providing visitors with an opportunity to experience kisses unlike any other at a discounted price on February 11, 12, 18 and 19.

Sharing an affectionate moment with such unique, charismatic animals may be entertainment for Aquarium guests, but this interaction is serious business for the Aquarium’s animals.

The staff at the Aquarium design variable and unique experiences, called enrichment, for the animals under their care to keep their minds active. The contact these animals share with the public is just a small part of their enrichment programs, and adds a new dimension to their role as ambassadors for their species.

This unforgettable experience, normally $35 per person, is available to anyone eight years and older for $25. Availability is limited. Kisses must be booked in advance at aquarium.org with the promotion code kiss2017.

Those that prefer to earn, rather than pay, for a special experience with marine animals also have options. The Aquarium provides private animal encounters to volunteers when they reach certain volunteer hour milestones.

Consequently, the Aquarium is currently accepting applications for their volunteer training program – a six weekend crash course on interpreting marine science and Oregon coast wildlife to Aquarium visitors.

To complete an application to join the Aquarium’s volunteer team, visit aquarium.org or contact the Aquarium’s Volunteer Services department at volunteer@aquarium.org.

Information and photo by Oregon Coast Aquarium