Glow in the dark at Living Coasts Torquay this February half term

Torquay's coastal zoo Living Coasts is glowing in the dark this February half term.

A new event entitled Glow is shining a light on the mysterious world of bioluminescence.

Living Coasts senior presenter Chloe Garland explained: "Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Also known as living light, it's a natural phenomenon – it's produced by chemical reaction."

Bioluminescence is primarily a marine phenomenon - in fact, it is thought that up to 90% of deep sea marine life produces its own light. It can occur anytime and in any region or depth in the sea, though it is found mostly in the twilight zone at depths of 200 to 1,000 metres. Every organism's bioluminescence is unique in wavelength, duration, timing and regularity.

Chloe adds: "All sorts of species do it, from fireflies (Lampyridae) to cookie cutter sharks (Isistius brasiliensis), from jellyfish and squid to deep sea dragonfish (Grammatostomias Flagellibarba). Plankton can light up the ocean! Come to Living Coasts to find out which species make their own light, how and why!"

There will be extra activities and games throughout half term week, including a trail with prizes to be won, plus face painting, bubble machines, a bioluminescence DVD and group activities. There's a new glowing underwater world in the under fives play area and children can create their very own glowing species.

The Glow event starts on Saturday, February 11 and finishes on Sunday, February 19.

For more information go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk or ring 0844 474 3366.