Visit
the Smithsonian's Marine Science Network.
From the largest animals on the planet (blue whales) to microscopic plants, the oceans contain a tremendous variety of life. About one-quarter million marine species have been described already, and some scientists believe there may be several million undiscovered species. 
What can do you to hep protect the oceans?
Caring for Coral
National Zoo scientsts rally to collect, breed, and protect threatened coral. 
Read all about their efforts in Smithsonian Zoogoer.
A Seal Story
Keepers are very attentive to subtle changes with the pair of gray seals that have been at the Zoo for 30 years. After they noticed a lump on Gunnar, the male, they trained him to make veterinary examinations while he's awake easier.
Watch a slideshow to learn how they trained and examined him.
The Zoo's gray seals spent their early years as Navy seals—literally. Today you can still see evidence of their underwater skills. Read all about them.
Keeper Talk
Hear Zoo keeper Tina Scott talk about gray seals—how to tell them apart from sea lions, the Zoo seals' Navy past, training, and what makes these animals so special—in this interview with former FONZ intern Caitlin Lukacs.
Spineless Ocean Dwellers
Other
ocean-dwelling animals can be found in the
Invertebrate Exhibit. The Pacific octopus is one of the
stars here, but you will find other fascinating spineless
wonders here, such as anemones, urchins, crabs, lobsters, and elegance coral (pictured at right).
more about coral and other cnidarians
Invertebrate Photo Gallery |
Help with cam
Can’t see any animals?
The animal in this exhibit may have moved out of view. FONZ volunteers operate some cams, but most of our cams show a fixed view.
The giant Pacific octopus
is the world's largest octopus—large males may have an arm span up to 25 feet and weigh more than 100 pounds. Octopuses are mollusks, and are related to squid, cuttlefish, and nautiluses.
Octopus facts | Ocean Living photo gallery
Aquatic Animals
From mammals and birds to invertebrates and reptiles, the Zoo is home to many animals that live in freshwater. Beavers, river otters, and brown pelicans reside in Beaver Valley. American alligators, Cuban crocodiles, Amazon River tortoises, and greater sirens can be found at the Reptile Discovery Center. Aquatic insects, water scorpions, and sunburst diving beetles can be seen at the Invertebrate Exhibit. And flamingos, mandarin ducks, and wood ducks can be seen in outdoor exhibits at the Bird House.
Beyond the Zoo
Zoo scientists study a variety of
ocean-living animals, from gray seals and sea turtles to
fish and coral. 
