Chula Vista Nature Landmark In Danger Of Closing Its Doors

By Dwane Brown, Marissa Cabrera, Tom Fudge and Peggy Pico

The Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista is facing closure after nearly three decades of teaching San Diegans about local wildlife. The center needs to raise $200,000 by the end of October to remain open.

The combination zoo and aquarium is home to a large number of indigenous animals and birds, including moon jellyfish, leopard sharks and a Western screech owl.

The center became a non-profit organization in 2010, and has since implemented new programs to raise money.

“Most of our funding comes from grants where we apply for educational programs to specifically go out in the community and talk to kids, as well as have children come here and teach them through day camps,” said Sherry Lankston, manager of the center.

The center also relies on revenue from fee-based programs and memberships, and donations from members and community partners.

If the center can raise the $200,000, they will be able to stay open for another year, at which time grant money will come through, Lankston said.

The center has already raised $50,000.

Center staff will have until the end of December to find homes for the hundreds of animals.