This year, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center celebrates its 40th anniversary and the incredible journey it has undergone since opening on June 14, 1986. Beginning as a small museum focused on teaching the public about local ecosystems, the facility has grown from one public building…
The Virginia Aquarium’s animal ambassadors are animals who generally live behind the scenes but are included in education programs as “ambassadors” who represent their species, allowing educators to share these animals’ stories and highlight the vital role each species plays in the natural world. G…
In 2025 alone, The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center received over 28,000 pounds of fish, shellfish, and other products to feed both Aquarium animals as well as sea turtles in rehabilitation through the Stranding Response Program. These products are provided by Sam Rust Seafood, Inc., w…
Our photographers had an incredible year capturing photos of our animals, exhibits, and events. Explore our favorite shots of 2025!
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 …
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…
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…
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…
