Did you know...

Animal poop helps keep the Chesapeake Bay healthy, acts as a defense mechanism from predators, and feeds other fish? These are just a few of the ways poop plays a role in marine ecology. To show off our knowledge, we’re dropping some irregular facts about the fascinating underwater world.

Potty Mouth

What goes in, must come out, but it may not always be how you expect it. Jellies, corals, and anemones all poop from their mouths.

Moon jellies, upside-down jellies, and Pacific Sea nettles can be found at our Jellies Gallery with a touch pool.

Bird Business

Birds have unique behaviors too when it comes to doing their business. Osprey can projectile poop up to three feet away from their nests, keeping their nests clean.

Find osprey, eagles and other native wildlife on our beautiful Nature Trail, spanning a third of a mile.

Wee Love Coral Reefs

Turns out fecal waste in the ocean isn’t so “wasteful” after all. The ammonium and phosphate in fish pee plays an important role in keeping coral reefs healthy.

See the symbiotic relationship of corals and fish at our Coral Aquarium in Restless Planet and our Coral Lab near the shark exhibits.

Duty Calls

Diamondback terrapin poop helps spread eelgrass, which is a plant vital to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Eelgrass provides shelter to young fish and invertebrates, supplies oxygen to the ocean, prevents coastal erosion, and provides food to a host of species.

Meet terrapins, a hellbender, and the infamous American crow in the Coastal River Room and Upland River Room mimicking Virginia’s natural landscape.

Party Pooper

This freshwater mammal has moves like Jagger. Male North American river otters perform a “poop dance” while using the bathroom, which includes lifting their tails and stomping their back feet.

The Aquarium has an Otter Habitat located in the South Building. During your next visit, be on the lookout for the otter wiggle!

Urine the Danger Zone

In nature, poop is used as a defense mechanism for some animals. Frogs and toads pee to repel predators.

The Aquarium is home to poison dart frogs, treefrogs, toads, and more for guests to see up close.