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Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask about how to run a world-class aquarium is available as the Oregon Coast Aquarium begins twice-daily "Keeper Talks." Starting June 30th, members of the Aquarium staff will provide fascinating presentations on the care and feeding of 12,000 marine creatures and the moving of half a million gallons of water a day, as well as the secrets to keeping all the Aquarium glass clean. Talks are scheduled at 10:30am and 2pm.

"We're combining an educational adventure along with some fun as we help visitors learn about the animals in our care and all it takes to make it happen," notes Phyllis Bell, aquarium president. "This is an excellent opportunity for our visitors to share several great 'did-you-know' facts back home after their trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium." Sixteen different "Keeper Talks" are scheduled, covering a wide range of topics and interest areas. These include:

• "Rhinos and Puffins and Murres—OH MY!"—Join one of the bird keepers for a peek into the mysteries of Oregon's coastal seabirds.
• "Beaks, Boots and Buckets"—Learn how to care for, feed and tell the difference between more than 100 birds. Even learn how to treat a puffin with a cold!
• "A Hatching Success"—Find out what it takes to raise a chick from hatching to fledging.
• "Bird Bandages and Seabird Splints"—Find out how to clean an oiled kingfisher or remove a fishing hook from a murre.
• "Hosting Dinner for 2,000"—See what it takes to feed over 2,000 fishes and invertebrates and how to keep the sharks from eating the fish next to them!
• "Beneath the Surface"—Listen the underwater staff as they share the secrets of handling the sharks and the rays.
• "Gelatinous Gems"—Have all your jellyfish questions answered!
• "We Caught A Fish This Big—And It Didn't Get Away"—Find out how the fish and other creatures on display are collected.
• "The Appeal of Seals (And Sea Lions Too)!"—The mammal staff shows you how to brush a seal's teeth!
• "Sea Otters Secrets"—Find out which of the fuzzy, furry otters was hand-raised and which was a boat-hopper.
• "Water, Water Everywhere"—aquarium life support staff shows you how they take 90,000 gallons of Pacific Ocean a day, clean it, chill it, use it and return it from where it came from.

The above are just some of the talks offered. Others include "Outrageous Octopus," "Meet the Real Mr. and Mrs. Clean" and "Get Tanked the Aquarium Way." They are all included in the price of admission. Topics vary daily, with a schedule available by calling [541] 867-FISH (3474), extension 5401.

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