Aquarium of the Pacific Welcomes Community Leaders and Philanthropists for the Blue Whale Gala and First-Ever Whale’s Tail After Party

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025, Long Beach, CA-Approximately 629 community leaders and philanthropists gathered at the non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific for its Blue Whale Gala and inaugural Whale's Tail After Party in Long Beach, California. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner in the Aquarium's Great Hall and took in the ambiance of the Aquarium at night.

The event also raised over $700,000, mainly through sponsorship, to support the non-profit organization's mission to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems, through its science-based educational programming and collaborative marine species conservation initiatives. "It was a beautiful evening of hope, generosity, and shared passion for protecting our oceans," said Ryan Ashton, the Aquarium of the Pacific's vice president of development.

Among the activities, the evening was a celebration of the Aquarium's conservation efforts and impact with special experiences just for the Blue Whale Gala and After Party guests. Attendees visiting the Aquarium's Rocky Reef habitat were able to see a juvenile sunflower sea star, a critically endangered animal that was reproduced as part of a collaborative effort. Aquarium education interpreters were able to show guests how big a juvenile sunflower sea star can grow by comparing it to a life-size plush model of an adult sunflower sea star. The Aquarium of the Pacific is part of ongoing conservation efforts with the goal of rebuilding the number of sunflower sea stars in California.

Aquarium veterinary staff presented animal x-rays on screens at the Molina Animal Care Center to illustrate their work in helping rescued sea turtles get a chance at returning to the wild. Additionally, in the Northern Pacific Gallery, Aquarium aquarists (fish and invertebrate staff) talked about how they repair crab exoskeletons, which naturally wear down over time, to help these animals thrive.

The Aquarium's education department also shared the Aquarium on Wheels, a mobile truck with local tidepool animals such as sea anemones, sea stars, and baby sharks to touch. This program connects schools and communities to our ocean backyard. Guests also had the chance to explore the Aquarium's more than 100 exhibits, including the new Stars of the Sea experience and Our Living Coastline outdoor touchpool, while learning about the organization's work in helping sea stars such as the pink sea star and the sunflower sea star.

The Aquarium gives special thanks to the Blue Whale Gala presenting sponsor, SAVOR Long Beach, and Fin Whale Sponsors: Esther Chui Chao, Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg, Temple Family Charitable Foundation, and U.S. Bank. The Aquarium would also like to thank After Party presenting sponsor, Marathon Los Angeles Refinery and Premium VIP level After Party sponsors Bank of America and U.S. Bank.