The Virginia Aquarium announces a new partnership with KultureCity, an organization dedicated to helping businesses become more inclusive of guests with sensory processing disorders. As part of this new partnership, the Aquarium becomes certified as Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity, with accommodations such as staff trainings on sensory processing disorders, creation of quiet zones, and acquisition of on-site resources.
The Virginia Aquarium closes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the country.
In compliance with a phased opening plan set forth by the Governor of Virginia and consultation with the City of Virginia Beach's leadership, the Aquarium welcomes guests back. Operations include new safety measures and limited capacity requirements implemented to help keep guests, staff, volunteers, and animals safe. As temporary precautions for the pandemic, the café is closed, and staff put a pause on special programs, behind-the-scenes tours, scheduled feeding presentations, private events, summer camps, and school programs.
The new Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center opens. This facility is named in recognition of the Darden Family and the Joshua P. And Elizabeth D. Darden Foundation for their generous contribution to the mission of the Stranding Response Program. This state-of-the-art facility provides holding pools and animal care space for sea turtle and seal rehabilitation, examination rooms and laboratory space for diagnostic and forensic investigations of stranded animals, and much-needed office space providing logistical and technological support for Aquarium scientists.
Sadana the spotted eagle ray gives birth to two female pups, marking a significant milestone for the Virginia Aquarium as well as zoos and aquariums worldwide. Spotted eagle ray reproduction is extremely rare, with the typical gestation period being anywhere from six to 13 months. Spotted eagle rays are included in a Species Survival Plan through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Two female Tomistoma hatch after Sommer, our female Tomistoma, laid a clutch of 19 eggs in May. The babies hatched after close monitoring by the Aquarium's husbandry team during a 113-day incubation period. This is the first successful Tomistoma birth at the Aquarium, following previous nests laid by Sommer in 2019 and 2020. The hatchlings are approximately 12 inches long at birth and would remain behind the scenes until May 2024, when they are moved to their new home at Crocodile Encounters in Texas. The hatchlings grew to nearly three feet in length and were ten times heavier than they were at the time they hatched.
The harbor seal exhibit closes for renovations of the seal pool and acrylic panes. The ray touch pool also closes for renovations. Both exhibits reopen later in 2022.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Atlantic Fisheries division recognizes the Stranding Response team with a Certificate of Appreciation for exemplary service during the pulse of large whale strandings in the Mid Atlantic the year prior.
After years of renovations with recurring delays, the Aquarium's South Building, formerly known as the Marsh Pavilion, reopens to the public. The building offers new immersive experiences with interactive exhibits, multiple kids' play areas, touch pools, a veterinary care center and water quality lab with observation windows, and more.
After a hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, Aquarium overnights and scout programs are reinstated.
The Stranding Response team documents 77 cold-stunned sea turtles responded to since November, a record-breaking number since the program's founding. During the season, 27 live turtles were admitted for rehabilitation at the Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center (DMACC). This included 15 green sea turtles, six loggerhead sea turtles, and six critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.
The Bob & Leslie Fort Animal Ambassador Center opens as a new home for the Aquarium's Animal Ambassador Program. This new 4,800-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was constructed to house the wide range of species in our animal ambassador family, including ospreys, snakes, tenrecs, small mammals, and raptors. 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.
The North Building Guest Services offices are extended for greater capacity into the main lobby, with a new, separate Member Desk established in the former theater lobby as well.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center celebrates its 40th anniversary!
