Monterey, Calif., Nov. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monterey Bay Aquarium launches a new children's video series today on YouTube Kids. Monterey Bay Aquarium Kids debuts its first eight episodes designed to inspire ocean conservation and build empathy for ocean animals.
Fans can subscribe to the channel at YouTube Kids or sign up for the Aquarium Updates email newsletter to be notified when new episodes publish.
“Monterey Bay Aquarium Kids channel brings the wonder of ocean life to children wherever they are,” said Dr. Jenny Gray, Nancy Burgermeister Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal is to spark children’s natural curiosity and empathy by encouraging them to imitate animal movements and imagine life from the animal’s perspective. This deep and joyful connection will grow into a lifelong commitment to protect wildlife.”
A growing body of evidence suggests a connection between experiencing empathy for animals and having a strong pro-environmental identity as a person who wants to protect wildlife and wild spaces. Movement is a core aspect of a child’s development. Using this guiding principle, the episodes engage young children in play centered around animals’ movements to actively engage their minds and bodies with ocean life, ignite empathy, and start building a conservation-minded identity.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Kids channel aims to expand the organization’s global reach, encouraging children everywhere to discover the wonder in ocean life as they learn that caring for it helps everyone.
Ocean advocate and science communicator Danni Washington hosts Monterey Bay Aquarium Kids. Washington uses her experience as a broadcast host and educational presenter to encourage the kids to look closely, move their bodies, make things with their hands, and explore the world around them.
"I'm thrilled to be collaborating with an organization as renowned as Monterey Bay Aquarium,” said Washington. “Hosting a creative series that inspires wonder and empathy for the ocean is a dream come true. I hope our young viewers develop a deep compassion for marine life and grow into lifelong stewards of the ocean."
Monterey Bay Aquarium Kids videos combine entertainment and storytelling in five general episode formats:
- Big question: Washington leads an exploration of a kid-friendly question about ocean life and answers it through engaging videos of animals and sea creatures in action.
- Crafts and exploration: Washington presents a fun, step-by-step craft activity that helps children connect with nature.
- I spot: Washington gives playful clues to help children search videos and photographs for animals, encouraging them to keep a lookout for everyday natural wonders.
- Ocean wonder: Washington watches wondrous marine animals in movement, offering children a calm and engaging minute of visual observation.
- Special guests: Animal experts, nature explorers, and other subject-matter experts join Washington for fun discoveries about the ocean and marine life.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Kids extends the concepts behind the Aquarium’s recently opened Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar exhibit beyond its walls. It invites the young and young at heart to see the ocean from the animals' point of view and leave with a deeper commitment to protecting it. The new channel offers early learners entertainment and awe similar to the Aquarium in a format optimized for caregiver-approved screens.
In addition to Monterey Bay Aquarium Kids, the Ocean in Motion website features more activities, crafts, games, and opportunities to connect with similar conservation-minded fun.
About Monterey Bay Aquarium
With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and public policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the future of our blue planet. More information at MontereyBayAquarium.org.
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Emerson Brown Monterey Bay Aquarium media@mbayaq.org
