Molina Animal Care Center

- 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Introduction / Overview

For those in Long Beach and throughout California, the Molina Animal Care Center offers a truly unique perspective on veterinary medicine. This is not a typical local veterinary clinic for dogs and cats but rather a state-of-the-art animal hospital dedicated to the health and well-being of the more than 12,000 animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Located directly on the Aquarium's campus, the center provides highly specialized care for a wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates. The facility’s commitment to advanced animal care is exceptional, with its focus on cutting-edge technology and innovative procedures. What makes this center particularly special is its educational mission. The hospital is designed with large viewing windows and interactive kiosks, allowing visitors to watch live veterinary procedures, surgeries, and examinations. This provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into the world of aquatic veterinary care, and the public can even have the opportunity to interact with the veterinary staff. The Molina Animal Care Center serves a dual purpose: it is a critical medical facility for the Aquarium's residents and a powerful tool for public education, inspiring a new generation of animal lovers and veterinarians.

Location and Accessibility

The Molina Animal Care Center is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA, placing it directly within the Aquarium of the Pacific. This prime waterfront location is easily accessible for visitors to the Aquarium. The address is central to downtown Long Beach's vibrant waterfront area, close to numerous attractions and amenities. The center is integrated into the Aquarium's campus, situated behind the Shark Lagoon, making it a natural part of the visitor experience. Public data confirms that the center and its surrounding areas are well-equipped to accommodate all guests, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. These features ensure that the educational and observational opportunities at the center are available to everyone. The center also includes on-site toilet facilities for visitor convenience, adding to the overall positive experience. The strategic location and thoughtful accessibility features make it a welcoming and simple-to-visit destination for anyone interested in marine and exotic animal care.

Services Offered

The services offered at the Molina Animal Care Center are highly specialized, focusing on the unique needs of a diverse collection of animals. The center serves as the primary medical facility for the Aquarium of the Pacific, providing a wide range of veterinary care. The hospital is equipped with advanced technology to assist in its work. The center's mission includes animal care, animal examinations, and general veterinary care. The facility is a hub for high-tech diagnostics, including digital radiography, which allows for instant, high-quality X-ray images that are easy to store and share. The availability of advanced equipment like endoscopes and laparoscopes enables veterinarians to perform minimally invasive procedures and gain internal views of their patients. The center also provides care for rescue animals and hosts unique community programs like summer camps. While this is not a general practice clinic for domestic pets, its specialized services and educational focus are a significant public asset.

• Animal Examinations and General Veterinary Care
• Digital Radiography
• Endoscopy and Laparoscopy
• Artificial Insemination
• Summer Camps and Educational Programs
• Care for Rescue Animals

Features / Highlights

The Molina Animal Care Center is distinguished by a number of remarkable features that make it a one-of-a-kind facility in California. A primary highlight is the integration of the animal hospital into the visitor experience. Through large viewing windows, guests can witness live veterinary procedures, from routine examinations to complex surgeries. This level of transparency is unprecedented and serves as a powerful educational tool. The center also features interactive kiosks and live video feeds, allowing guests to delve deeper into specific medical cases and even ask questions to the veterinary staff. The state-of-the-art equipment, including digital radiography and a high-tech microscope, showcases a commitment to providing the highest level of care to the animals. The center's dedication to environmental stewardship is another key feature, as the building was designed to meet LEED Platinum standards. Furthermore, the Molina Animal Care Center partners with Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, providing a live video feed of procedures to young patients, offering them a unique and inspiring distraction during their hospital stays. This community-focused partnership highlights the center's mission to serve not just the animals but the public as well.

• Live Veterinary Procedures Visible to the Public
• State-of-the-Art Medical Equipment (Digital Radiography, Endoscopy, Laparoscopy)
• Interactive Educational Kiosks and Video Feeds
• LEED Platinum certified environmentally-friendly building
• Partnership with Miller Children's Hospital for educational live feeds
• Wheelchair-accessible facilities (car park, entrance, toilet)
• On-site toilet for visitor convenience

Contact Information

For those interested in learning more about the Molina Animal Care Center or the Aquarium of the Pacific, the primary contact information is readily available. The center is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA. You can reach the main phone number for the Aquarium, which can connect you to the appropriate department, at (562) 590-3100. A mobile phone number, +1 562-590-3100, is also provided. As the center is primarily a facility for the Aquarium's animals and not a public veterinary clinic for personal pets, inquiries should be directed to the main Aquarium contact to get information about viewing hours and educational opportunities. The presence of the center and the information about its services are a testament to the Aquarium's commitment to animal welfare and public engagement.

What is worth choosing

Choosing to visit the Molina Animal Care Center is an opportunity to witness a level of veterinary care that is rarely seen by the public. While it is not a place to take your personal pet for a check-up, it is a facility that showcases the highest standards of animal husbandry and medical expertise. What is worth choosing about this center is its ability to provide a powerful educational experience. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of caring for a wide variety of species, from tiny fish to large sharks and marine mammals. The transparency of the center, with its public viewing areas, fosters trust and demonstrates the Aquarium's dedication to the health of its animal collection. The use of advanced technology, coupled with the facility's sustainable design, positions the Molina Animal Care Center as a leader in both animal welfare and environmental responsibility. For anyone passionate about animals, science, or medicine, a visit to this center is an incredibly enriching experience. It highlights the importance of animal care and inspires a profound respect for the work of veterinary professionals who dedicate their lives to the health of these extraordinary creatures. It is a place that proves that compassionate care and scientific innovation can coexist, making it a must-see for California residents and tourists alike.

Molina Animal Care Center

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA