Meet Pearl, our new California Round Ray!
Discovery Space is now home to a stingray!
In partnership with Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, our Marine Life Center welcomes Pearl, a California Round Ray (Urobatis halleri). This exciting addition gives kids and families a chance to explore the wonders of marine life—right here in State College!
Why It Matters
Until now, the closest places to see stingrays were hours away. By bringing one to Discovery Space, we’re making marine science more accessible for families in Altoona, Lock Haven, Penns Valley, and beyond. But this is more than just convenience—it’s about inspiring curiosity, wonder, and hands-on learning through up-close encounters with marine life.
Your support helps make experiences like this possible. Join us in bringing the ocean closer to home!
Time to Celeb-RAY-te!
Through a naming contest for K-12 classrooms and scout troops, Jennifer Murray’s class from Mountaintop Elementary in Snow Shoe, PA chose the winning name—Pearl!
We officially introduced Pearl at a special members-only event on March 15, and now you can meet her during our open hours:
🐟 Wednesday–Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
🐠 Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Will You Help Us Keep the Momentum Going?
Your support helps us create lasting impact through:
— Ongoing care and maintenance of Pearl’s tank
— STEM programs that bring marine science to kids and families
— Hands-on internships for local high school students
Together, we can inspire the next generation of marine scientists and bring even more exciting opportunities to Central PA.
Will you help us continue this journey?
Dive Deeper
Why Stingrays?
Stingrays are fascinating creatures, known for their graceful movements and vital role in ocean ecosystems. This initiative allows us to share their beauty and importance with our community—while creating a temporary home for them to thrive.
From Tiny to Mighty
By providing a home for our first baby stingray, we’re helping it thrive and grow, so it can eventually rejoin the larger tank at Electric City Aquarium, just like these amazing adult stingrays!
Be part of something extraordinary.
Do you have resources, passion, and ideas that could help us build on this momentum?
Let’s chat and work together to create unforgettable marine life experiences for kids and families.
Reach out to Executive Director Michele Crowl PhD at .