iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

#CityNatureChallenge Day 3, as of 4/27 8:45am PT: 🌿 60,813+ Species 🌿 1,977,189+ Observations 🌿 87,076+ Observers 🌿 15,106+ Identifiers Learn more & find events worldwide: citynaturechallenge.org @nhm.org

A North American River Otter curls around a large fish it is eating, its wet fur slicked back. British Columbia, Canada.

Several small white fuzzy patches of Splitgill Mushroom cluster along a dark, slender branch against a blurred gray-brown background. București, Romania.

A beetle (Anthaxia salicis) rests on weathered wood, its iridescent exoskeleton shimmering teal, green, pink, and purple. Wien, Austria.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Grab a friend and head outside because there’s just 🚨ONE MORE DAY LEFT🚨 to make observations for the 2026 City Nature Challenge! After today, you can still *upload* your photos onto @inaturalist.bsky.social—but they need to be *photographed* between April 24–27 to count as part of the challenge.

Close-up of Teddy Bear Liverwort, a bright green plant with densely fuzzy, rounded lobes. Taranaki, New Zealand.

A small, deep red gall from genus Diplolepis sits on the smooth surface of a broad green leaf, its pointed tips resembling a tiny crown. Fujian, China.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

For what it's worth, observations you make today still count! :)

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

#CityNatureChallenge Day 2, as of 4/26 8:45am PT: 🌻 52,451+ Species 🌻 1,319,064+ Observations 🌻 65,946+ Observers 🌻 11,842+ Identifiers Learn more & find events worldwide: citynaturechallenge.org #CommunityScience #ActsOfScience @nhm.org

Two striking violet-purple mushrooms photographed from below, showing their fan-like gills, growing from a mossy forest floor. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Photo by jeremyhegge on iNaturalist.

A tokay gecko with blue-gray skin and bright orange spots clings to a branch at night. Depok, Jawa Barat, Indonesia. Photo by banjorasbones on iNaturalist.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

In case you need some inspiration, check out these snapshots of what people have been seeing in their cities around the world.

An orange and dark brown butterfly perches on a small white flower against a green background. Berazategui, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo by matiascabezas on iNaturalist.

A large pale huntsman spider rests on a dried leaf on a forest floor. Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo by ongsa201827 on iNaturalist.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

It’s not too late to join the world’s largest annual community science event! Three easy steps: get outside, photograph wild nature, and share it on the free @inaturalist.bsky.social app. 👀🤳

An osprey flies directly toward the camera with wings fully spread, carrying a fish in its talons. Hennepin County, Minnesota. Photo by brennan_roy_ on iNaturalist.

Close-up of a small yellow star-shaped flower cluster on a rattan palm, with soft green background. Kota, Rajasthan, India. Photo by noopur97 on iNaturalist.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

#CityNatureChallenge Day 1, as of 4/25 8:45am PT: 🌱 40,358+ Species 🌱 660,776+ Observations 🌱 38,432+ Observers 🌱 8,315+ Identifiers

A gray-green Hooded Rosette Lichen with lobed, ruffled edges grows on a rock surface surrounded by moss, photographed in Berlin.

A Phantom Flutterer dragonfly with iridescent blue-purple patterns on its hindwings rests on green leaves in Botswana.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Right now, thousands of people all around the world are getting outside and documenting their local nature to help science and conservation. Here are just a few highlights from the first 24 hours of the 11th annual City Nature Challenge. ✨

A Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth with transparent wings feeds on a yellow dandelion, photographed in Luxembourg.

A Natal Forest Tree Frog with green skin and a red eye perches on a glossy leaf against a dark background, photographed in South Africa.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Join a bioblitz to meet nearby nature-lovers or head out on your own—whichever you choose, anyone anywhere can contribute. Learn more at bit.ly/CitNat26 @inaturalist.bsky.social @nhm.org

Page shows a man using his phone to photograph a nature scene along the California coast. The logos for the City Nature Challenge and its organizers (NHMLA and Cal Academy of Sciences) are shown in the center of the page. Bottom page text reads “We need to know about nature in order to protect it”.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Carry your #EarthDay spirit through the end of the month by participating in the Challenge from April 24 to 27. Your observations add crucial biodiversity data, support scientific research, and propel conservation efforts worldwide.

Text titled “Why observe nature?” lists the reasons to participate in the challenge: Provide science biodiversity data, learn about nature around you, connect with other nature lovers, discover rare species, contribute to conservation research, and enjoy outdoor time. Background shows a woman observing nature while standing along a coastal bluff.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Getting involved is free, easy, and fun: 🤳 Download the iNaturalist app 🌵 Go outside and find wild plants, animals, and fungi 📸 Take (many!) pictures of wildlife 📲 Upload your observations on iNaturalist 🔁 Repeat all weekend long!

Page titled “Step 1: Go Outside” instructs viewers to head outdoors and start searching for wildlife. It instructs folks to join a local bioblitz or community events, find wildlife near them, and bring a friend. Background image shows a group of people and children walking along a trail.

Page titled “Step 2: Take Pictures” shows an adult man and a child crouching on the ground, looking as the adult takes a photo with his phone and lens set-up. Text instructs audience to stop and snap multiple pictures at several angles of any wildlife found.

Page titled “Step 4: REPEAT!” shows two people using their phones to take observations of wildlife. The person in the foreground wears various shades of blue and a green backpack as they look, smiling, at their phone. Text says “bring a friend and keep observing wildlife all weekend long.”

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Join hundreds of thousands of people around the globe in the world’s largest community science campaign, starting this weekend!

A page titled “Key dates” outlines the duration of the challenge: Get outside and observe wildlife (April 24-27), Upload observations on inaturalist (April 28-May10), and see 2026 results on May 13. Background is of a California coastal ecosystem with green plants and lupines shown.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

🌷🐝🌳IT’S CITY NATURE CHALLENGE TIME! 🐿️🪺🐚

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

This work is made possible by a dedicated team from the Academy, Presidio of San Francisco, Golden Gate NPS, Creekside Science, and Revive & Restore Biodiversity. 📸 Tim Wong

A small butterfly with delicate, pale wings and black markings is perched on a green plant stem. The background is blurred, highlighting the butterfly.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Silvery blues are the closest living relatives to the extinct Xerces blue (Glaucopsyche xerces). Since 2024, scientists have relocated dozens of these “ecological stand-ins” to the Presidio’s sand dunes, where the insects now serve as pollinators and critical members of the food web.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

The baby blues are back & better than ever! This month, Academy scientists, partners, and volunteers released dozens of silvery blue butterflies (Glaucopsyche lygdamus) in the Presidio, as part of ongoing efforts to restore ecosystem function & support butterfly populations in the Bay Area.

A small butterfly with brown and blue wings perches on a plant, feeding on tiny flowers. The background is a soft focus of green foliage.

A delicate silvery blue butterfly rests on flowering greenery, covered partially by a sheer white net. A person nearby holds a notepad, though their focus is not clear.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Whether you’re in a city apartment or tend a garden in your home, everyone can participate in protecting pollinators. Pick what works for you!

A colorful poster titled "Let it Grow" features vibrant insects and flowers. It lists benefits of leaving sections of grass unmowed: fewer pests, more bees and butterflies, and enhanced insect biodiversity. A speech bubble from a dandelion says, "Let your lawn go shaggy!" A butterfly and a bee are also visible.

A nighttime forest scene with various nocturnal animals, including bats, moths, and beetles, under artificial lights. Text reads: "Join the Dark Side. Artificial lights disturb the behavior of nocturnal pollinators like moths, bats, and beetles." Tips to reduce light pollution include turning off external lights, closing blinds, and using warm-toned bulbs. A speech bubble suggests trying motion-detection lights.

A collage of various creatures surrounding a speech bubble with the text "We appreciate your efforts!" Featured are a hummingbird, bat, colorful butterflies, caterpillars, and a snail, all against a lush green background with vibrant flowers.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

This #EarthMonth, learn how to support the birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and other pollinating animals who make our ecosystems thrive & keep our food systems running. Pay attention to your local native pollinators, who often provide support to specific plants and animals near you.

Colorful poster promoting planting native plants. Features vibrant flowers, a butterfly on purple blooms, and text highlighting benefits like providing nectar and pollen for pollinators. Includes a playful speech bubble that says, "Mmm, yummy." Offers a gardening tip with a website link: [www.cnps.org/gardening](http://www.cnps.org/gardening).

A person is spraying plants with a chemical-looking mixture from a spray bottle in a garden. Text reads, "Drop the chemicals. Go au naturale!" A warning note at the bottom states, "Pesticides can kill pollinators, and studies show that natural plant & pollinator diversity reduces pests." A butterfly is visible near vibrant flowers.

A person outdoors using a smartphone with the iNaturalist app open. The app screen displays suggestions for identifying lady beetles. Text reads: "BE A COMMUNITY SCIENTIST" and "Take photos of nature around you & add observations to the iNaturalist app." A close-up image of an insect with the caption, "I’m ready for my close-up!

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Did you know that pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food you eat? If that wasn’t enough, pollinating bats are the reason you can drink tequila 🤯

A bee is perched on a cluster of vibrant blue flowers with lush green leaves in the background. The text reads, "How to Protect Pollinators Near You" with an arrow pointing towards the bee.

Pollinators Are Essential: Images of bees, bats, birds, and butterflies & moths with text highlighting their benefits - supporting plant reproduction, improving ecosystem health, increasing biodiversity, and bolstering food supply. Message at the bottom encourages learning how to support pollinators.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

🌊 ‘How Far the Light Reaches’ by Sabrina Imbler ⭐ ’How Much of These Hills Is Gold’ by C. Pam Zhang ♾️ ’The Gender and Infinity Book for Kids’ by Maya Gonzalez 🏳️‍⚧️ Collected works published by Atmos Magazine

A collage-style page provides a reading recommendation for science writing: ‘How Far the Light Reaches’ by Sabrina Imbler. Text describes the book as “A heartfelt memoir that explores the lives of mysterious sea creatures and the lessons they teach us about community, adaptation, sexuality, and identity.” Sea creature cut-outs in blues and pinks are scattered across the page.

A collage-style page provides a reading recommendation for a historical fiction book: “How much of these hills is gold” by C. Pam Zhang. Text describes the book as follows: “This novel uses the harsh landscape of 1800s California & Gold Rush capitalism to explore greed, human-nature connections, and belonging.”

A collage-style page provides a reading recommendation for kid’s literature: “The Gender and Infinity Book for Kids” by Maya Gonzalez. Text describes the book as “Exploring the boundless possibilities of nature & gender” and includes a quote from the book description: “...a kid’s guide to BEING your fullest self.”

A collage-style page provides a reading recommendation for the collected works of queer ecology from Atmos Magazine. Text says “Read through Atmos Magazine’s essays on Queer Ecology, which range from interviews with activists to think pieces on human-nature connections.” The page includes screengrabs of three articles featured on the Atmos page, with matching images. Link to Atmos included at the bottom of the page.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

🌱 ‘Queer Ecologies’ edited by Catriona Mortimer-Sandilands & Bruce Erickson 🍄 ’Forest Euphoria’ by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian 🍂 ’A Natural History of Transition’ by Callum Angus

A collage-style page provides a reading recommendation in the ‘Academia’ genre: Queer Ecologies, edited by Catriona Mortimer Sandilands and Bruce Erickson. Text describes the book as a core text that breaks down the binaries humans project onto nature. Themes include reciprocity, human-nature connections, and decolonial thinking. More pink cutouts are scattered throughout the page, including one of sea gulls and flowers.

A collage-style page provides a memoir recommendation: Forest Euphoria by Patricia O. Kaishian. Text decribes the book as follows: “How the natural world challenges our expectations of what is normal, beautiful, and possible.” Page also recommends readers to engage with “The Science Underground: Mycology as a Queer Discipline,” also by P. Kaishian. Text cutouts show mushrooms, flowers, and snails.

A collage-style page provides a reading recommendation for a series of short stories by Callum Angus, “A Natural History of Transition.” Text reads: “Each story explores transition and change through the lens of natural phenomenon—both fantastical and realistic.” Themes include magical realism, liminal spaces. Cutouts throughout the page show pink and blue clouds and a flying swan.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

This #TransDayOfVisibility, we’re highlighting our favorite queer ecology reads. These books, essays, and memoirs break down binaries and explore the expansiveness of gender & identity in nature.

A collage-style image with a baby blue background shows a bunch of pink, light blue, and white magazine cutouts of various animals and plants, including a penguin, swan, fish, lizard, snails and slugs, and a seahorse. Title page reads “Cal Academy’s Queer Ecology Reading List.”

Page titled “Queer Ecology 101” shows a bunch of similar magazine-style cutouts at the bottom of the page, all of which are tinted pink. Text reads: “Queer ecology interrogates how binary thinking influences scientific study and environmentalism. Examples include: Highlighting non-heterosexual, non-cis characteristics in nature; Breaking down human-nature divides; Studying alternative social structures.”

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

🦋🦋 BIG BLUE BUTTERFLIES JUST DROPPED! 🦋🦋 Come to the Rainforest in the next week to walk through a cloud of irridescent, fluttering blue morpho butterflies (Morpho peleides). Our biologists recently released 150 of these butterflies, bringing extra vibrance to the dome.

A vibrant blue butterfly is perched on a leafy plant inside Cal ACademy's rainforest dome, with a glass ceiling visible above.

A row of blue morpho butterfly chrysalis are attached to a clear bar. The chrysalis are a vibrant, bright green color.

A flurry of blue morpho butterflies flutters in the air, with a wall of green plants in the background.

A group of blue morpho butterflies rests on a red platter filled with orange, feeding on the fruit. The Academy's rainforest dome is visible in the background, with leafy greens all over.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

... and support them by visiting Cal Academy!

A close up image shows a bright yellow Panamanian golden frog flush against the edge of its habitat, its stomach pressing up against the glass. A text bubble coming out of the frog says, “Every Academy visit supports my species!”

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Learn more about these incredible animals...

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Alongside our partners at the EVACC Foundation in Panama, the Academy supports the conservation of these critically endangered frogs through husbandry, advocacy, and breeding.

A collage style page titled “Our partners:” shows various images of panamanian golden frogs, a white and brown building, and an Academy biologist next to a mural of the frogs. Text reads: Since 2022, the Academy has partnered with the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) to conserve Panamanian amphibians—like these endangered frogs.

A collage style page titled “Cal Academy in Panama:” shows four biologists doing various tasks to support Panamanian frog conservation (includes holding the frogs, shoveling dirt, and caulking habitats). Text reads “Academy biologists visit Panama every two years to assist EVACC with outreach, husbandry, and local conservation.”

Slide titled “At home” is filled halfway with a close-up image of a Panamanian golden frog resting on a rocky surface. Text reads: “Our aquarium breeds Panamanian Golden Frogs as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP). By housing a population of frogs in human care, the Academy and partner institutions hope to avoid their extinction.” A bunch of frog cutouts are scattered at the bottom of the page.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

These frogs are endemic to Panama and critically endangered.

Slide titled “Atelopus zeteki” shows various cutouts of Panamanian Golden Frogs. Text reads: “Panamanian Golden Frogs are only found in the streams and mountainous slopes of Panama. They are Critically Endangered and may be extinct in the wild. No individual has been seen in its historic range since 2009.”

Slide titled “Population threats” lists the main causes for PGF deaths: Fungal disease from “chytridiomycosis”, Poaching & pet trade, Agricultural pollution, Human development, and Habitat fragmentation. Background image is a golden frog shown head on.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

We’re celebrating the bright yellow, tiny-but-mighty Panamanian Golden Frog this #WorldFrogDay! 🐸🌟

An illustrated cover image shows a Panamanian Golden frog, a yellow and brown spotted amphibian, looking upward as it rests in a shallow puddle of water. Cut outs of various rainforest plants are shown at the top and bottom of the page.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Join us for live jazz, a science fair, animal meet-n-greets, and much more. Find out more about Academy Day and our special programming here: bit.ly/4uVbrfh See you there. 💚

Methuselah, an Australian lungfish, wears a birthday hat for Academy Day.

An African penguin dives while wearing a birthday hat.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

We’re celebrating our 173rd birthday on March 26 and you’re invited! Our Academy residents even pulled out their party hats. 🥳 (Please tell Morla she looks nice.) Pay-what-you-can tickets are available starting as low as $5 so everyone can party under our Living Roof.

Morla, an alligator snapping turtle, wears a birthday hat, while a banner in the background reads "Happy Academy Day!"

A sunflower sea star wears a party hat for Academy Day.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Upload observations through Sept. 1 and learn more at bit.ly/CloverMilkvetch

A collage of various colorful flowers and a link for more information: bit.ly/CloverMilkvetch. Supported by the California Biodiversity Data Exchange.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Don't know where to start? Here's a guide to finding clovers and milkvetches in California:

A colorful infographic titled "How to identify in nature: Clovers (Genus Trifolium)" shows images of various clover types. It includes illustrations of clover leaflets, described as three leaflets attached to a single stem, and globe or oblong-shaped flowering bodies. Images at the bottom show clusters of tiny flowers held together by bracts, which are modified leaves that protect budding flowers.

This image provides an identification guide for Milkvetches (Genus Astragalus), highlighting features such as inflated and sometimes speckled seed pods, one leaflet at the tip, multiple leaflet pairs on one stem, and flower clusters on tall stalks. Various images showcase these characteristics.

The image shows a collage of six different milkvetch plants commonly found in CA, with labels: Santa Barbara Milkvetch, Freckled Milkvetch, Nuttall's Milkvetch, Douglas' Milkvetch, Woollypod Milkvetch, and Balloon Milkvetch. Each section displays detailed views of the plants with varying colors and shapes. The background has a purple theme, and the title "Common Milkvetches" is prominently displayed in the center.

Collage of six different types of clover flowers commonly found in CA. Top row from left to right: Rose Clover, White Clover, Tomcat Clover. Bottom row from left to right: Cowbag Clover, Narrow-leaved Clover, Springbank Clover. Each clover image is labeled with its name. Background has a purple border and the center text reads "Common Clovers.”

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Every observation added helps researchers: 🔎 Locate rare or missing species 📊 Improve biodiversity data 🍃 Track the spread of invasive species 📍 Protect endemic species in CA

Collage showing various clover and milkvetch plants. Text overlays highlight their importance and why people should make observations of these plants: clovers are underreported on iNaturalist, many milkvetch species are specific to regions, both are crucial for pollinators, and their flowers are beautiful.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

WANTED: California clovers and milkvetches! ☘️🌿 Help botanists & scientists by adding more photos of Trifolium and Astragalus species on iNaturalist.

Two side-by-side images of plants. The left image shows clover with green leaves and white flowers. The right image shows a different green plant, a milkvetch, with elongated leaves and light cream flowers. Text above reads, "Have you seen these plants?" Below, it says, "Wanted for being ridiculously cute, ecologically important, and unfortunately underrated. Photograph immediately if spotted.”

A collage of ten images showing various plants and flowers, with text encouraging people to help scientists and conservationists by photographing these plants in California. Featured plant genera include "Clovers" (Genus Trifolium) and "Milketches" (Genus Astragalus). A prompt at the bottom reads, "Swipe for more info.”

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

YOUR 2026 PENGUIN POWER COUPLE: 👑🐧❤️KIANGA & DUNKER! ❤️🐧👑 Congrats to our foster parent icons, who were crowned this beautiful Valentines Day morning. Thanks to everyone who participated, and stay up-to-date with all our lovebirds (and their drama) every day at our live penguin cam on YouTube.

Two penguins wearing illustrated crowns, labeled "Kianga & Dunker" against a red background with hearts. Text describes them as "Foster parent icons," "Superior snugglers," and "Iconic since '07."

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Who will be crowned the 2026 Penguin Power Couple? Make your final choice at bit.ly/PenguinPowerCouples by midnight, and join our Penguin Valentines livestream tomorrow at 10:30 am PT to watch us crown the winners.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

🚨🐧 LAST CHANCE TO PICK YOUR PENGUIN POWER COUPLE! 🚨🐧 In the final face-off, we have old guard vs. new kids on the block: It’s ❤️Kianga & Dunker❤️ against 🤍Fyn & Iggie🤍

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

The inaugural Penguin Power Couple will be (literally) crowned TOMORROW! But first, head to bit.ly/PenguinPowerCouples to make your final choice. Will the coveted crown go to newcomers Fyn & Iggie or veterans Kianga & Dunker? Tune into our livestream on 2/14 at 10:30 am on YouTube to find out.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Winners announced in person & online at our Penguin Valentines livestream on Feb. 14 at 10:30am PT. More info at bit.ly/PenguinPowerCouples

Illustrated graphic describes Opal & Pete as a couple: Opal is a grand dame (oldest colony elder) who catches fish mid-air and is a homebody. Pete is a simp who needs a bib at the dinner table and prefers older penguins.

Illustrated graphic describes Iggie & Fyn as a couple: Iggie is a penguin who used to wear a boot, is a pursuer, and bites biologists for extra fish. Fyn is a sweetie pie penguin who is always pursued by Iggie, and she thinks she’s half human.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Send your favorite pair to the finals tomorrow by voting at the link in our stories or bit.ly/PenguinPowerCouples. Users are allowed one vote and polls stay open til 11:59 pm PT.

Lockup graphic shows two penguin pairs facing off in semifinals: Iggie & Fyn (against a white backdrop) and Opal & Pete (against a purple backdrop).

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Grab some herring, settle into your nest box, and get ready to vote for your next Penguin Power Couples, Semifinal 2: Opal & Pete vs. Iggie and Fyn 🐧🐧✨

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

We also have online resources for families looking for at-home activities including science-centric games, livestreams, videos, and DIY projects here: bit.ly/4kwhYbj

bit.ly

Science @ Home

Make science exciting for kids with an array of themed activity packs, each featuring a week's-worth of content.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

In support of our local community and San Francisco’s youth, we’re offering free non-holiday weekday general admission for SFUSD students and discounted admission for caregivers during school closures. More information on free admission here: bit.ly/4tnhI…

A child looks at a fish in its habitat. Text reads: Free Admission for SFUSD Students. Details in caption.

Two students and their caregiver look at butterflies in our Osher Rainforest.

Two students sit and look at fish under the glass in our Philippine Coral Reef.

A student and her family walks past the entrance to the California Academy of Sciences.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Don’t forget to return here tomorrow to continue casting your votes through Feb. 13. Winners announced in person & online at our Penguin Valentines livestream on Feb. 14 at 10:30am PT. More info at bit.ly/PenguinPowerCouples

bit.ly

Penguin Valentines

Join us for a feeding, valentines ceremony, and crowning the winner of our first Penguin Power Couples Bracket!

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Will it be our foster parent icons or our honeymooners? YOU decide: Vote at bit.ly/PenguinPowerCouples. Users are allowed one vote and polls stay open til 11:59 pm PT.

Valentine style card showing Kianga and Dunker, a penguin pair, against a red backdrop with hearts all around them. Text describes Dunker as a gentle sweet cuddly boy with an affinity for fish, while Kianga is a neat and petite eyedrops queen with a great side eye.

Valentine style card with two penguins, Ty and Robben, against a green backdrop with red hearts all around them. Descriptor text says that Robben is a brawny, successful nest box robber type, while Ty is a brainy, picky eater with a great smile.

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

The love-fest is HEATING UP and two more Penguin Power Couples are facing off in Semifinal 1: Kianga & Dunker versus Ty & Robben 🐧🐧✨

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Don’t forget to tune into our annual Penguin Valentine’s livestream, Feb. 14 at 10:30 am PT, to watch us crown the winning Power Couple! More info at bit.ly/PenguinPowerCouples

bit.ly

Penguin Valentines

Join us for a feeding, valentines ceremony, and crowning the winner of our first Penguin Power Couples Bracket!

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Vote today to advance your next favs to the semi-finals: 🤍 Fyn & Iggie 🤍 vs 💛 Tule & Grendel 💛

Valentines-style collage shows a portrait of two penguins against a white backdrop with hearts interspersed. One penguin appears to be coming out of the image on the left side. Title reads Fyn & Iggie, and their tagline is Love at First Sight. Text reads “The newest couple on the block, Iggie and Fyn bonded almost immediately. Congrats are in order: They just secured a down payment on their first nest box.”

Valentines-style collage shows a portrait of two penguins against a yellow backdrop with hearts interspersed. They both look like they’re walking to the left side of the screen. Title reads Tule & Grendel, and their tagline is A May-December Duo. Text reads “Grendel’s silver fox energy won over the much-younger Tule. Although Tule enjoys keeping her options open, she always comes back home to her distinguished gentleman.”

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California Academy of Sciences @calacademy.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Vote today to advance your next favs to the semi-finals: 🩵 Stanlee & Bernie 🩵 vs 💜 Opal & Pete 💜

Valentines-style collage shows a portrait of two penguins against a teal backdrop with hearts interspersed. Both penguins stare ahead. Title reads Stanlee & Bernie, and their tagline is Booked & Busy. Text reads “The ‘rise and grind’ couple of the colony: Bernie’s out swimming laps at 6 a.m. while Stanlee constructs the perfect nest tower, one felt piece at a time.”

Valentines-style collage shows a portrait of two penguins against a purple backdrop with hearts interspersed. Both stare ahead. Title reads Opal & Pete, and their tagline is No Chicks, No Probs. Text reads “Opal and Pete are living their best life of chick-free luxury, demanding premium fish service while judging your parenting choices from their peaceful (empty) nest box.”

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