Exhibits staff prepare to move wave tank

Earth Shattering Event

City officals, Aquarium board members, volunteers and staff were all on hand for Thursday's "Earth Shattering Event" - the official kick off of the renovation. After hearing from the Aquarium's Director, our "super supportive" Mayor, Board President and State Delegate Bob Tata a wrecking ball, in the shape of the planet, was launched into one of the original gallery walls taking out a good size chunk and beginning the demolition process. Chuck Arthur (W.M. Jordan) commented afterwards "keep going... it's less work for us!"

Offices Relocated

Last week the Volunteer Resources Office and the Volunteer Lounge were moved to the north side of the classroom. Guest Services moved to the south side. The Guest Services staff love their new window view. Cecelia Campbell (Facility Sales Coordinator) has already named one of the squirrels living outside her office. Additionally, the workshop area in the Bay & Ocean Pavilion was broken down and moved to the Marsh Pavilion. A smaller workshop is being created so the Scientific Exhibits staff can keep up with the exhibits that will remain open during the renovation.

Cyd Halstead (Guest Services Supervisor) and Katherine Miller (Graphics Designer) came up with a plan for directing guests to the temporary ticketing area. Our young guests love "hopping" on the turtles and following them to the admissions desk.

New Ray Touch Pool Opens

The aquarium's new ray touch pool opened promptly at noon on Saturday, February 24th. The aquarium's fishes staff came in extra early and moved the remaining rays from the old exhibit to the new one. Prior to being introduced into the new aquarium they were examined and weighed. Over 5400 guests visited the aquarium this weekend and all of them got a chance to see the rays in their new home.

New Ray Touch Pool Opens Feb 24

The final touches are being added to the new Ray Aquarium. The touch pool will open at noon on February 24th. The current ray exhibit, originally designed as a temporary exhibit, has proven to be one of the most popular attractions at the aquarium. The opening of the new exhibit is just one of the first steps in the aquarium's renovation project. The admissions desk will be temporarily relocated to the IMAX lobby and the guest services office, volunteer resources office, and the volunteer lounge will be moved to the classroom on March 1st. Expect to see temporary walls in place by mid-March and major demolition will follow soon after.

Penguin Exhibit Opens

The aquarium's new temporary exhibit, Penguins: Birds of Play, opened on Saturday, February 17th. Over 3500 guests visited the aquarium on Saturday, making it one of the busiest February days on record! The exhibit features six African Blackfooted penguins and numerous hands on interactives exhibits (all designed by Virginia Aquarium staff). Penguins: Birds of Play will run through Labor Day, 2007.