Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Virginia Beach, VA – On Wednesday, June 18, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bob & Leslie Fort Animal Ambassador Center. This new state-of-the-art facility will be home to the Aquarium’s current animal ambassadors, including ospreys, snakes, tenrecs, and a hawk, as well as will have the capacity to welcome some new additions, including small mammals, and raptors. The private ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new facility with the Aquarium Foundation Board of Trustees and Aquarium leadership.
The facility is named in honor of Bob and Leslie Fort, whose philanthropic support and commitment to conservation education have left an indelible mark on the Aquarium. Bob Fort has served on the Virginia Aquarium Foundation Board since 1997, playing a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s mission and growth. Over the years, the Forts have generously contributed to numerous Aquarium initiatives, helping to expand educational outreach, enhance animal care, and build community support for the institution’s conservation work.
“Bob’s dedication to the Aquarium spans nearly three decades,” said Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, President and CEO. “His steady leadership on the Board and the Forts’ remarkable generosity have helped position the Aquarium as a national leader in education and animal care. It’s only fitting that this new center bears their name.”
At 4,800 square feet, the new Bob & Leslie Fort Animal Ambassador Center is nearly twice the size of the previous 2,600 square foot animal ambassador building. The Aquarium has also upgraded the life support systems to ensure the highest level of care for the animal residents.
“This facility is an incredible advancement and will provide us with the capability to expand our Animal Ambassador program and in turn increase our guest offerings and education programs,” said Steve Lacy, Chief of Animal and Conservation Programs. “We are looking forward to growing the Animal Ambassador program and welcoming new animals to the facility soon.”
The Animal Ambassador program currently has 25 animals and will likely double that number with the new capacity of this building. The Virginia Aquarium sets a new precedent and standard across AZA-accredited facilities and animal ambassador programs alike with this top line, upgraded facility.
The Aquarium’s Animal Ambassador program was created to provide guests with up-close animal encounters. Aquarium educators can be found among the exhibits during regular hours with one of the animal ambassadors to answer questions and teach guests about the animal and conservation. The Animal Ambassadors are also used in education programs for school field trips and outreach programs. Schools can book a live animal encounter to meet one of the reptiles, amphibians, or mammals to learn about history conservation and animal care.
Coming soon, the Aquarium will create a new behind the scenes tour available for purchase that will give visitors an exclusive look at the daily operations of the center. Guests will be able to meet the animal ambassadors up close, see how they’re cared for, and learn about our ongoing conservation efforts.
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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