Nina Floaty & Berry Ground

Meet Nina

Meet Berry

These two guys became the mascots of the AKMA and Ocean Senses Project and are loved by kids and adults. They put a smile on
everyone’s faces and will, together with their foraminifera friends and other deep-sea animals, take us on a dive into the wonderful
world of foraminifera that live in the Arctic Ocean. Both Nina & Berry, and also their foraminifera friends, have personalities which
are based on what we know about foraminifera today thanks to micropaleontology.

Scientist Giuliana Panieri and Illustrator & Artist Jane Zimmermann bonded immediately when they have met
the first time, over their passion for small creatures and jumped into a fun adventure to create Nina and Berry.

Berry`s characterĀ is based on the foraminifera species Melonis barleeanus, which is a benthic species that can not float and just lives in or on the seafloor.

He is very down to earth, grounded and questioning everything. He is very knowledgeable about plants and animal species that lived on the seabed millions of years ago.

Wait, there is more ..

Jane has turned Nina and Berry into 3D characters, which makes them even more tangible than they are on paper. They have become a fun tool for science communication for schools and children, also haven’t left Giuliana’s side since šŸ˜‰ From taking part in research trips on ships, with pilots in the cockpit of a plane, to attending scientific conferences, to a recording studio where we recorded a wonderful song about called `Foraminifera Boogie`.

Our song is written with simple verses and scientific background so that children, but also adults, can learn about Foraminifera. There is also a karaoke version, where school classes from all over the world can sing along to the song and then send us the video. If you want to join with your class or your kids, please follow this link Foraminifera Boogie

We are also working on a Pixie-Book-Series for young children which is
called ‘FORAminiTALES of the Ocean’. Here children will learn everything about foraminifera wrapped up in nice stories with Nina & Berry written
by Fabio Sarti. Soon in our upcoming shop!

Nina & Berry also have their own Instagram account which keeps you up to date with all the latest news. If you want to follow them klick on the link below: instagram.com/nina_and_berryĀ 

Nina & Berry Friends

Nina & Berry also have many other foraminifera as friends. Two of them are Reo and Pax, which are based on a type of foraminifera called “Reophax”, an foraminifera that collects tiny rocks and other things to cover its body.

Nina`s character is based on the foaminifera species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, which is a planktonicĀ  foraminifera that floats in the ocean.

She is curious, erratic, brave and also a little naive. She knows everything about the ocean temperatures and currents.