CRUSTY CREATURES OF THE DEEP STAR IN NEW SPECIAL EXHIBITION LAUNCHING FEBRUARY HALF TERM

from Saturday 15th February 2014

An invasion of the crustacean kind is expected at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium in February 2014 as a new exhibition featuring some stunning species of crabs opens. CLAWS will bring together a spectacular collection of the "B-movie monsters" of the marine world from the gigantic Japanese Spider crab (which can grow to 12 feet long) to the humble blue lobster (they aren't pink until they are cooked!).

Built like miniature armoured tanks, these powerful crusty creatures of the deep are natural warriors and guests can inspect them at close quarters in a newly themed area featuring quirky displays designed to resemble giant crabs.   

A giant mechanical claw shows the inner workings of a crab's claw and interactive features enable guests to feel the hardness of their shells and the sharpness of the serrations on their claws. Plus a crawl-through tunnel display allows visitors to get right underneath some of these alien like animals and examine them from every angle. Add in fun and informative graphics and a 3D model and CLAWS adds up to a monster new addition to one of London's most popular attractions.

And there's also a whole aquarium to discover with thousands of sea creatures from rays to rare Green Sea turtles, seven species of stunning shark in the Shark Reef Encounter display and a playful family of Gentoo penguins in the chilly Ice Adventure area.

Situated on the banks of the River Thames in County Hall, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is open seven days a week with great value family tickets; additional charges apply to Snorkel with Sharks and Behind the Scenes. See www.sealife.co.uk/london for details. CLAWS is included in main entry price.

GETTING THERE

• Discounts and fast track entry available with online booking - visit www.sealife.co.uk/london
• Nearest tubes: Westminster/Waterloo
• Open seven days a week from 10am with last entry at 6pm and prices start from £15.53 per adult and £11.25 per child

For further information please contact Emma Kaye or Amy Williams at freerange communications on 020 7402 9966 or emma@freerange.eu  

Notes to Editors:

Top booking tip: Book your ticket online and visit after 3pm and not only do you get the best value ticket - from just £15.53 per adult and £11.25 per child - but you also get to stroll around the attraction while it's quiet AND catch the penguins' last feed of the day (4pm). Visit: http://www.visitsealife.com/London/Ticket-Prices/After3pmTicket/ for info.

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 99 attractions, 9 hotels/3 holiday villages in 22 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 54 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 22,000 employees. 

Among Merlin's attractions are - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park Resort, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK, Siam Ocean World and Busan Aquarium.  All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative - and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.