Tuesday, March 24, 2026
An opossum, skunk, and owl have joined the Aquarium’s Animal Ambassadors
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has more than just aquatic creatures, and now, there are even more animals to meet. The Aquarium has welcomed three new animals, a Virginia opossum, striped skunk, and spectacled owl as a part of the Aquarium’s Animal Ambassador program.
Animal Ambassadors are the Aquarium’s animals who voluntarily participate in pop-up programs on the gallery floor, daily presentations, and education programs. These offerings allow guests to observe animals up close and learn about the important role the species has within the ecosystem. The Animal Ambassador program currently has 25 animals including small mammals, reptiles, and raptors. Meet the three newest additions:
Virginia Opossum
The one-year-old female Virginia opossum named Willow came to the Aquarium in late November. Found abandoned as a juvenile and taken in for rehabilitation, Willow was deemed non-releasable by a wildlife rehabber in D.C. Virginia Opossums are North America's only marsupial, and their ability to scavenge for food in urban environments makes them a necessary part of the ecosystem. Like most opossums, Willow has incredible scent ability and can find any food items her caretakers hide, encouraging foraging behavior. Since arriving at the Aquarium, her care team have found Willow’s favorite foods to be bell peppers and sweet potatoes.
Striped Skunk
Maple is the name of the Aquarium’s new female striped skunk, another local species to Virginia. Maple was born at Nashville Zoo on May 5, 2025, and came to the Aquarium in early December. Skunks are intelligent animals and control pests by hunting insects. Best known for their pungent smell, skunks are not likely to use their defensive spray unless they are cornered or feel threatened. Since her time at the Aquarium, Maple has proven to be very smart, and her caretakers will give her puzzle feeders which she solves in only a few minutes. She has a good appetite, and her favorite food is insects.
Spectacled Owl
Hatched at Audubon Zoo, the male spectacled owl named Mahogany was born on March 10, 2025. Spectacled owls are found in southern Mexico, throughout Central America, and South America. They are the largest owl in their range, and hunt at night with a large variety of prey items on their menu. Spectacled owls are part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), in which zoos and aquariums work together to maintain sustainable species populations. Since his time at the Aquarium, Mahogany will participate in enrichment sessions such as shredding newspaper and paper bags, and he is very curious about his surroundings.
For those looking to meet an Aquarium Animal Ambassador, general admission covers a range of experiences including Animal Ambassador presentations, which happen daily at 11:30 a.m. and feature a surprise animal guest. On occasion, guests may see Willow, Maple, or Mahogany participating in a program, though a specific animal ambassador guest is not guaranteed.
Additionally, guests can book a ticket for the new behind-the-scenes tour of the recently constructed Bob & Leslie Fort Animal Ambassador Center , home to Willow, Maple, and Mahogany. The tour will give visitors an exclusive look at the daily operations of the center. Guests will be able to meet some of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors up close, see how they’re cared for, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Tours happen weekly and are $50 for members and $55 for the public. Behind-the-scenes tours are presented by The Oceanfront Inn.
Behind-the-scenes tours and Aquarium admission can be booked at VirginiaAquarium.com .
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.
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