Press Center

Browse the latest news from the Academy’s Press Office.

Latest Releases

The wooly devil is a new-to-science desert plant in the sunflower family.
California Academy of Sciences and Partners Uncover New Sunflower Species in Big Bend National Park, Texas

The wooly devil is the first new plant genus and species discovered in a U.S. national park in nearly 50 years.

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A group of black and white African penguins sits on a rock, surrounded by heart shaped felt valentines.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Cal Academy as African penguins receive valentines for their nests, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m. & 3 p.m.

Heart-warming tradition educates the public about the potential extinction of critically endangered species.

A volunteer prepares a dry botany specimen to be scanned.
California Academy of Sciences Receives $3.6 Million to Digitize Entire Botany Collections

Digitization of 2.3M specimens will expand & bolster the curation, accessibility, & public utility of herbarium.

Three friends smile for the camera in a dark room with a neon NightLife sign behind them
California Academy of Sciences kicks off Black History Month with NightLife “Black Thursday” event, February 6

Featuring live performances, interactive experiences, a Black-owned business marketplace, soul food, & cocktails

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All Releases

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A dead gray whale rests on a beach on Angel Island with the ocean right behind it, Golden Gate Bridge and a tugboat visible in the background.

The deceased gray whale rests on Angel Island as researchers prepare for a necropsy. Photo courtesy Barbie Halaska, Marine Mammal Center

Science & Sustainability
Vessel Strike is Likely Cause of Death for Gray Whale Near Alameda
April 30, 2024

The whale’s death is the first in the San Francisco Bay Area since the end of the Unusual Mortality Event.

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National Park Service conservator Fran Ritchie prepares Monarch, one of California's last grizzly bears, for the new exhibit California: State of Nature opening May 24 at the California Academy of Sciences.

National Park Service conservator Fran Ritchie prepares Monarch, one of California's last grizzly bears, for the new exhibit California: State of Nature opening May 24 at the California Academy of Sciences. Gayle Laird © California Academy of Sciences

Exhibits
California Fish and Game Commission Recognizes 100-year Anniversary of Last Grizzly Bear in the State
April 19, 2024

Statement by Paige Laduzinsky, senior exhibit content developer, California Academy of Sciences.

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Composite image of ryan wyatt, left, and peter roopnarine, right, both standing with arms folded and smiling.

Planetarium Director Ryan Wyatt (left) and Geologist Peter Roopnarine (right) were honored by AAAS for their scientific achievements across disciplines. Kathryn Whitney © 2019 California Academy of Sciences

Leadership
Academy Curator Peter Roopnarine and Planetarium Director Ryan Wyatt Elected Fellows of American Association for the Advancement of Science
April 18, 2024

Roopnarine and Wyatt are honored for their contributions to scientific research, advocacy, and education.

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Five content creators stand against a railing on the Academy living roof, with a grassy hill in the background.

The selected creatives will create digital content and host in-person programming to spark conversations about environmental issues. (L-R) Kaua Hermosura, Desiree McGill, Vishal Subramanyan, Chloé Stowell Colón, Kiana Kazemi. Nicole Ravicchio © California Academy of Sciences

Programs & Events
Meet the Digital Creators Shaping the Future of Environmental Storytelling
April 17, 2024

The Academy selects five storytellers to serve as the inaugural class of California Creators for Nature.

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A bleaching Caroppora coral at about 130 feet deep in Australia’s Coral Sea.

A bleaching Caroppora coral at about 130 feet deep in Australia’s Coral Sea. Photo credit: Luiz Rocha, California Academy of Sciences

Science & Sustainability
Statement by Luiz Rocha, Curator of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, on Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event
April 15, 2024

Rocha just completed the first scientific deep dives in Australia’s Coral Sea at depths of up to 152 meters.

The silvery blue butterfly.
Science & Sustainability
California Academy of Sciences and Presidio Trust repopulate sand dunes with relative of extinct Xerces Blue butterfly
April 15, 2024

The historic reintroduction was made possible by the restoration of the Presidio's native dune habitat.

Academy community science coordinator Olivia VanDamme makes an iNaturalist observation during City Nature Challenge.
Programs & Events
Community scientists across the globe compete in City Nature Challenge, April 26-29, 2024
April 8, 2024

Ninth annual community science event unites people with nature and each other.

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A photo shows the exterior of the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park is one of only four California institutions selected as finalist for the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Building, Exhibits, Leadership, Programs & Events
California Academy of Sciences Named Finalist for 2024 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service
March 26, 2024

The Academy is one of only four California institutions selected as finalist for prestigious award.

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