I have been a volunteer in some capacity or other at the California Academy Of Sciences since the beautiful new building opend in 2008. I plan to continue until I expire or they throw me out . It has, indeed been a privilege to volunteer here, to bring to the public an awareness of how individual behavior impacts us all, to learn about and teach the science and history of our fragile planet and how what we do matters, to understand the interconnectedness of life among earths myriad creatures. That, and the fact that it’s sheer fun being a part of the Academy. Working with knowledgeable biologists and interacting with a curious and wide-eyed public, I actually shudder to think what my life could have been had I not found this happy place of mine. I might seriously have run amok! Happy Valentine’s Day, Academy! I love you with all my heart!
This Valentine's Day, send a Love Letter to your favorite Academy animal, biologist, diver, or scientist to let them know how they set your heart aflutter. We’ll make sure your letter reaches its intended recipient (we’ll even read out loud to Claude if necessary, promise), and you can read other Love Letters by clicking any image below. To write yours, just use our easy form:
Dear California Academy of sciences
Love, a very happy volunteer!️
2023-02-14T12:11:52-08:00
Hello Claude,
We are sending lots of love to you and your care team on this Valentines Day. We have been coming to see you since you first arrived! We always send a picture of you to mom in Virginia. She is 99 years old and soon to be 100. She is not able to travel but she loves to see you cozy on your rock! See you soon!
Pat and Marc Strohlein
2023-02-14T10:56:38-08:00
To all the fish in the aquarium
Keep on Swimming. You are so beautiful and wonderful to see. You brighten everyone's day.
The deLucia/Herman family
2023-02-14T10:31:14-08:00
Dear Everything About the Academy
I love you for all the awe, learning, joy and hope you infuse into our lives and the world! From Australopithicus sediba to the glowing, flowy jellyfish, you fill my soul with wonder.
Love, Kristen and the Breck family
2023-02-14T10:04:11-08:00
Dear Academy,
When we decided to look through photos to send one, we were surprised to find 400 photos taken over 8 years on our many family visits! We love everything at the academy. While we always have to visit Claude and the Pendulum, each trip is a unique adventure. When the kids were younger we spent a lot of time with the penguins and in Curiosity Grove. Now we make sure to see the Minerals and the Shake House. And we just saw our first Planetarium show last month. Thank you Academy of Sciences for continuing to entertain and educate our family.
The Pierce Family
2023-02-14T09:56:34-08:00
Aquarium team
My son is a HeartWarrior and over the last couple of years the Academy and especially the aquarium has been a safe place for him to explore, and practice his walking. We have spent hours with him scooting along the walls stopping at all the windows and sitting on the right hand side of the stairs in the big room. He calls that spot “his place.” We have sat there with him practiced his colors, counting and other forms of speech. We have practiced sitting and standing which to this kiddo has not come easy but most of all we sit and watch all the beautiful fish. This toddler loves learning about the ocean and fishes so much that when we where finally able to travel we made sure to visit aquariums. So far he has visited 3 in California and 2 in Italy. Yours however is his favorite. Thank you for all you do!
Love the Kerr family
2023-02-14T09:55:59-08:00
The moving elephant herd,
I was a docent briefly many years ago in the room with the penguins. One day, a young child was seemingly bored with the trip to the museum. I walked over and gently asked, "Would you like to see a bunch of elephants?" Looking around and not seeing any, I was asked, "Where are they?" I indicated to the child and parents to follow me, went over to the display where a "movie" of a herd of elephants moving across the far wall was. When the child saw the elephants, I could feel the rejuvenated excitement. Pointing to the elephants, even the parents became amused and interested. It felt really good to have been able to make that happen.
Former Docent Bob
2023-02-14T09:29:19-08:00
Dear Claude
Thank you for entertaining and amazing my family for decades! We love the Cal Academy staff as they are the Best, informed, caring, motivated & bright people AROUND (except for UCSF️) Keep up the great work & my family will co to us to support Cal Academy of Science's Golden Gate Park SF
Love the Cotter-Dillane families
2023-02-14T09:25:07-08:00
All the science people in the basements
Thanks for all you do to learn about and save our world. Valentine greetings to all.
Love, your fans in Annandale, VA
2023-02-14T09:07:39-08:00
Dear Claude,
My 4 year old granddaughter loves you. You are her favorite thing to see at the Academy. One time when we were there you moved around your tank and she was jumping out of her skin (so to speak). Thanks for that experience.
Love, the Hess/ Lew family especially MacKenzie and Grandma
2023-02-14T08:47:55-08:00
Dear Volunteer Docents,
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and knowledge! You make Academy visits so magical. Thank you for all you do!
Love, Katie
2023-02-14T08:30:38-08:00
Dear Brenda
It was always amazing when we visited Aquarium, no exceptions. It's never a easy job to take care of the animals. Thank you and all the staff that keep it a lovely place for both adult and children.
Love, the Fan family.
2023-02-14T08:26:14-08:00
Dear Claude
You are so cool. I love to come see you. I wish I could swim with you.
Love James S
2023-02-13T21:33:39-08:00
Dear Penguins,
I love you so much. Your waddle is so cool. I can’t wait to see you guys soon.
Love Jack
2023-02-13T21:32:28-08:00
Dear Animals and Critters in the Rainforest
We hope you're enjoying the SF winter air and get all the love for V-day!
Sending good vibes, TJ and JD
2023-02-12T21:39:10-08:00