by guest author Jonathan David
Julie Packard, head of the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California, has
announced her retirement. She is now a head on the board of trustees, so she continues
contributing to the Monterey Aquarium, while she “hands over the reins” as CEO. Here are a
few facts about Ms. Packard: Her favorite organism in the ocean is Giant Kelp. The reason for
this is that she researched seaweed ecology for her Master’s degree. She and the aquarium are
famous for taking care of orphaned sea otter pups.
“Early on, we got involved in rescuing and caring for orphaned sea otter pups, but it was
very difficult to keep them alive,” she shared with New York Times journalist, Franz Lidz. Under
Ms. Packard’s leadership, the aquarium is famous for allowing fully grown surrogate mom otters
to teach the pups. Ms. Packard further explained, “This was a breakthrough because, no
surprise, the female otter is a much better mom than a human trying to show an otter what to
do.”
As I wrap up this discussion, I will suggest that you be sure to watch the movie at the
aquarium theater, Luna: A Sea Otter’s Story. It will teach you all about the rescue of the orphan
pup otter, Luna. Please visit the aquarium and see its wondrous displays, from jellyfish that float
around the surface, to mysterious creatures that haven’t even been named yet! I’m thankful for
Ms. Packard’s work to conserve our oceans.
The Lighthouse 