The contest encourages youth to make connections with their wildlife neighbours and become involved in protecting the future of our planet. Acclaimed Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman believes that caring begins with knowing and we need to experience nature.

First launched at the Aquarium in 2000, the contest has attracted hundreds of thousands of entries over the years from youth of all ages. This year's art contest invites youth to depict the wildlife they observe in their own backyards. With an eye on sustainability, the writing portion of the contest asks youth to describe in 40 words or less how they can protect the environment and what they are doing to ensure the future of the Earth.

Entry forms are available at the Vancouver Aquarium or downloaded from www.gettoknow.ca. The winning artwork will be selected for the 2008 Robert Bateman Contest calendar. Winners will be selected in May and invited to attend an awards ceremony in Kelowna in June.

Lolo will return with Bobs during the Aquarium's Spring Splash, from March 17-25, to perform three shows daily. -- www.vanaqua.org