The Marine Life Center’s newest resident, a baby California round stingray named Pearl, is giving visitors the chance to observe a species they might never see otherwise, as part of Discovery Space’s mission to make science education engaging and accessible.

Pearl officially made her debut during a special members-only welcome event in State College on Friday, which featured ocean-themed activities, a stingray-trivia scavenger hunt and the big reveal of her name, which was chosen through a community contest.

Though the bottom-dwelling stingrays are native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly along the California coast, Pearl hails from the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton, Pa., and is staying at Discovery Space in State College while she matures.

Discovery Space’s marine science educator, Kendra Adkins, helped develop the partnership with Electric City Aquarium after an engaging visit, where she bonded with aquarium staff over the two organizations’ shared passion for conservation education.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Baby stingray, Pearl, is pictured in her new enclosure at Discovery Space in State College.

When Pearl was born, she had to be separated from the other rays, creating the perfect opportunity for the aquarium and Marine Life Center to deepen their partnership. While adults of her species can live together, young stingrays need to be on their own for their safety. Discovery Space provided the ideal environment — a solitary tank where she could mature while remaining visible to the public.

On Tuesday, March 5, two staff members from Electric City Aquarium carefully transported the stingray to Discovery Space, where she underwent a 30-minute drip acclimation process before gliding into her nursery tank. Since her arrival, the Marine Life Center has been temporarily closed to allow her to acclimate and ensure she is healthy and thriving.

“She is settling in well, actively exploring her environment, eating regularly and appears to be enjoying her new home,” Discovery Space said in a statement.

Pearl will remain at the Marine Life Center for the next one to two years while she matures, offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe her growth and learn about marine conversation up close.

“This new addition to the Marine Life Center strengthens Discovery Space’s mission to bring unique, hands-on science experiences to the community. Visitors of all ages will have the chance to learn about marine ecosystems, adaptations and conservation through this engaging new exhibit,” the organization said.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Two youngsters check out baby stingray, Pearl, during a special welcome event in its marine life center.

To build excitement, Discovery Space launched a stingray naming contest, inviting local schools and scout troops to submit name ideas.

More than 40 classrooms suggested names and hundreds of community members voted on the finalists — Sandy, Bubbles, Pearl and Strawberry — throughout the month. According to Crowl, nearly half the votes went to Pearl, a name many patrons agreed was the perfect fit.

“I love the name Pearl,” said nine-year-old Jacob Leathers at the Stingray Welcome Party on Friday. “She’s so cute!”

His four-year-old brother, Aiden, said he loves the Marine Science Center. They were among the dozens of children who got to meet Pearl for the first time.

“A lot of kids never go to the ocean,” explained Michele Crowl, executive director of Discovery Space at 1224 North Atherton Street, State College. “So we’re always looking for opportunities to widen the view that kids have about the world, themselves in the world and how they can operate within it later in life… there’s a lot that happens under this 18,000-square-foot roof.”

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Other aquatic life are seen in a tank at Discovery Space.

Discovery Space is a nonprofit science center and makerspace in State College, Pa., dedicated to inspiring curiosity and creativity in learners of all ages, through interactive exhibits, STEM programs and hands-on learning experiences.

“There are a lot of unique ways that we can try to pique someone’s interest, and sometimes it’s the novelty of an animal they’ve never been up close with,” she explained, but noted learning opportunities can come from anywhere, even explaining the science behind making the salt water for her tank. “It starts with a fun experience, and often what we see happening is kids and parents having those conversations about why that happened that way. So science comes into it naturally.”

The Marine Life Center reopened on Saturday, March 15, marking Pearl’s public debut. Access to the center is included with general admission, and it is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $8 for ages three and up, $7 for adults and free for children under three. As part of the Museums for All initiative, families receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can enjoy discounted admission to the Science Center for $2 per person. All children must be supervised.

To learn more about their programs or to sign up for a membership you can visit their website at www.discoveryspace.org.