The Bob & Leslie Fort Animal Ambassador Center

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 …

Aquarium staff member holds blue-tongued skink for class of children to touch.

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…

Malamute the loggerhead sea turtle released on beach.

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…

Batten Fellow Madison with Watershed Warriors volunteers during a team session.

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…

Pelican flying against cloudless sky.

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…

Wedding ceremony outdoors at Virginia Aquarium. Photo Credit: Dragon Photo Studio.

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…

Ospreys in nest with an egg and a blue plastic bag next to it.

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…

Water Quality Lab technician piping water into vials.

Deep Dive: Water Quality Lab

Water is at the core of our operations, with our animals residing in more than 840,000 gallons of water across both the North and South Buildings, as well as our Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center (DMACC), where Stranding Response operates. From the water temperature to salt, chemical, and mi…