TEMPE, Ariz. – March 1, 2025 – Sea Life Arizona, the only aquarium in the state designed to provide a fun, interactive and educational experience for kids, today announced it has partnered with Bear Essential News and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), to launch a poster contest on March 1 for local school children grades K-8. Winners will receive a special classroom presentation from Dirk Westfall, displays curator for Sea Life Arizona, on the importance of ocean conservation as well as tickets to the grand opening of Sea Life Arizona this May.
The contest is designed to teach kids the importance of ocean conservation. The theme, “What Sea Creature Would You Be Most Sad to See Disappear From Our Oceans?" will encourage kids to draw their favorite sea creature and one they would miss if the species no longer lived in the ocean.
“Sea Life Arizona is passionate about ocean conservation and providing an educational, fun experience for kids,” said Kelly Schwartz, marketing manager of Sea Life Arizona. “By partnering with Bear Essential News and the WDCS on this poster contest, we are reaching kids throughout Arizona with a fun activity that reminds them of the importance of the ocean and its creatures.”
One winner and one runner-up will be chosen in each of the following grade categories:
* Kindergarten-Third grades
* Fourth-Fifth grades
* Sixth-Eighth grades
The editors of Bear Essential News will collect the posters and select the winners and runners-up. Instructions for submitting a poster will be available in the March issue of Bear Essential News which can be picked up at most local elementary and middle schools in the state. More information can also be found at bearessentialnews.com, sealifeus.com and wdcs-na.org.
“We are looking for kids to show creativity and heart,” said Nancy Holmes, publisher of Bear Essential News. “The contest isn’t about how well you can draw. It’s about demonstrating your passion for protecting our world and the creatures that live it.”
Winners will be announced in early May and the posters will be unveiled and put on temporary display on “World Oceans Day” at the aquarium. Both the winner and runner-up from each grade category will receive an invitation to the grand opening event this May.
“Although it may seem strange to speak of whales and dolphins in a desert environment, the take-home message is that our daily activities and choices impact the marine environment and its inhabitants downstream” said Courtney Vail, campaigns officer for WDCS. “What we do on land most definitely affects the sea, and we are excited to be partners with SEA LIFE Arizona in reaching the public with our messages.”
Sea Life Arizona opens this May at Arizona Mills in Tempe. The $15 million aquarium features more than 30 display tanks in 12 different habitat zones housing more than 5,000 creatures. The aquarium is home to a variety of sea creatures such as seahorses, rays, sharks and species indigenous to Arizona.
Contest rules, entry forms and other informationcan be downloaded here!
About SEA LIFE Arizona
Sea Life Arizona is a 26,000 square foot aquarium designed with children in mind. It includes more than 30 display tanks in 12 different habitat zones featuring more than 5,000 creatures. SEA LIFE Arizona provides families with a fun and educational underwater experience showcasing some of the world’s most thrilling sea creatures. Visit www.sealifeus.com for more information.
About Merlin Entertainments
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 59 attractions, six hotels and two holiday villages in 13 countries, across three continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 35 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13,500 employees.
Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE – the world’s biggest aquarium brand, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, Heide Park, and Earth Explorer. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
Bear Essential News
Bear Essential News for Kids is a literacy award-winning newspaper with a mission to educate, enrich and entertain young people. For 30 years the newspaper has been distributed free of charge to young readers, with over 80 percent of all copies distributed directly into public and private schools each month. Current circulation stands at over 250,000 copies throughout the state. The "Young Reporters Program" enables students to experience the world of journalism firsthand by reporting for Bear Essential News. Reporters have their stories published in Bears "Kid Scoops" section and broadcast on television. What separates Bear Essential News from other childrens publications is its focus on current events—keeping kids informed of changes in the world around them. www.bearessentialnews.com
About WDCS
WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, is the global voice for the protection of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and their environment. WDCS aims to reduce and ultimately eliminate the continuing threats to whales, dolphins and their habitats and to raise awareness of these wonderful animals and the need to protect them in their natural environment. Established in 1987, WDCS has offices in the US, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Germany, and the UK and maintains a worldwide network of consultants, researchers and supporters. WDCS funds conservation and research projects in countries all around the world. Visit www.wdcs-na.org for more information.