Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
23
A NEW DIRECTION
T
HE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
has set new standards for quality and
visitor expectation in the public aquarium world. Diligent attention
to detail, interesting and informative exhibits, a wide variety of edu-
cation programs, active volunteer and member programs, and excel-
lent customer service and facility maintenance placed this aquarium a
step above similar institutions. Many in the profession see us as the
leading aquarium in the United States, if not the world.
This was a fascinating facility to be associated with, but after the
opening of the Outer Bay Wing in 1996, followed within just a few
weeks by David Packard's death, I began to take a hard look at my
future. I had been privileged to play a part in realizing the dream of
the founders of the aquarium and its benefactors, David and Lucile
Packard. Their vision has brought ocean awareness, beauty, and just
plain fun to millions of people. In my decades of work in the aquar-
ium industry, I had never seen anything come together quite like the
Monterey Bay Aquarium did. It was a synergistic combination of place,
situation, and talented, creative people who responded to the Packard
example of excellence.
The Packards' commitment to quality was inspiring and compelling.
They gave the aquarium designers the luxuries of time and money to
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