Our Best Photos of 2025
Our photographers had an incredible year capturing photos of our animals, exhibits, and events. Explore our favorite shots of 2025!
Blog
Opening Our New Animal Ambassador Center
This past summer, the Virginia Aquarium opened the new Bob & Leslie Fort Animal Ambassador Center (AAC). This state-of-the-art facility is now home to our animal ambassadors, a group of mostly non-exhibit animals used in our education programs. At 4,800 square feet, the new AAC is nearly twice …
Looking Past the Classroom - Our Education Programs
As part of our mission to inspire a more sustainable future, the Virginia Aquarium's School & Youth Education team offers a variety of science education programs for local students in preschool, elementary, middle, and high school. These programs are available for public and private schools, da…
A Resilient Rehabilitation
Meet Malamute, a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle who made waves last fall after a news article highlighted a special surgery our Veterinary Team conducted on them to remove a fishing hook from their body. Guests were able to watch this surgery through the treatment room window at our Windows into A…
Empowering Tomorrow's Environmental Leaders
Last summer, the Aquarium saw a record-breaking number of participants for our summer education program, Watershed Warriors, and a couple weeks ago, the program returned with approximately 45 eager youth volunteers who will gain the knowledge, values, and responsibility needed to conserve our water…
Avian Influenza and Our Biosecurity Protocols
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a severe form of avian influenza that poses a significant threat to both wildlife and domestic bird species worldwide. The virus primarily affects birds, but can also infect mammals, a phenomenon which has led to documented cases in animal care facilities…
Sustainable Celebrations: Planning a Low-Waste Wedding
From the venue to the clothes to the party favors, there are a lot of elements to think of when planning a wedding. Fortunately, there are just as many opportunities to ensure your big day incorporates your love for the environment alongside your love for your partner. The Virginia Aquarium & M…
Deciphering Recycling for America Recycles Day
America Recycles Day is November 15, and as part of our mission to inspire a more sustainable future, we're spreading the word about how to recycle as much plastic as we can to protect the environment. Over 99% of plastics are produced with fossil fuels, but it only takes one plastic bag to endange…