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The aquarium has been trying to place the penguins since before the pandemic. If I remember right they were supposed to come to Toronto along with some males from Edmonton and Toronto was supposed to send most of their younger males to Edmonton. The inability to transfer for the last 3 years really ruined that plan. At least now they are able to place the penguins and get them contributing to the population.
 
TZFan said:
The aquarium has been trying to place the penguins since before the pandemic. If I remember right they were supposed to come to Toronto along with some males from Edmonton and Toronto was supposed to send most of their younger males to Edmonton. The inability to transfer for the last 3 years really ruined that plan. At least now they are able to place the penguins and get them contributing to the population.
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There were continuous debates about the penguins among volunteers in the few years before the pandemic, too, torn between sending them elsewhere in Canada or back to New England - the birds’ presence was discussed as a loan. Only four birds were outside yesterday, so seeing that they’ll get the chance to integrate into a larger colony again soon is very pleasant to read. I’m excited to see what becomes of their habitat.
 
@RIPPompadour, I think I recall when they first got the penguins it was always meant to be a limited time visit for them. I dont think anyone anticipated having them there as long as the have. End of the day all that matters is they will be back in a larger colony and have a chance to breed.
 
Other 2023 News:

On February 16th, the aquarium announced that they acquired (0.0.2) harbor seals named Pym and Skeena from the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre in British Columbia which are now on exhibit.

Two new friends are moving in! Harbour seals Skeena and Pym were rescued last year by the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre. Due to vision issues, they were... | By Vancouver Aquarium | Facebook

On February 25th, the aquarium announced that they moved their (1.0) rough-skinned newt to the exhibit next to the Oregon spotted frog exhibit.

The rough-skinned newt has moved habitats, and he's now roommates with the Oregon spotted frogs! He's a big fan of the new space | By Vancouver Aquarium | Facebook

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On April 23rd, the aquarium announced that (0.0.2+) discus (species not specified) hatched which are on exhibit.

Discus | These two discus just had babies! Discus have a unique parental behaviour — the young discus larvae will spend some time feeding on the slime coat of... | By Vancouver Aquarium | Facebook

On April 28th, the aquarium announced they bred and released (0.0.1,000+) Oregon spotted frog tadpoles into the wild.

Vancouver Aquarium

On May 9th, the aquarium announced they moved their (0.1) giant Pacific octopus named Terri to the Strait of Georgia exhibit.

Terri in Strait of Georgia! | Wondering where Terri the giant Pacific octopus has been? She's moved up to the Strait of Georgia habitat! Look for her in her den, near the front of the... | By Vancouver Aquarium | Facebook
 
The penguin enclosure is now gone completely and has been replaced with seating for the cafe nearby. Stellars cove and the cafe I just mentioned are currently closed for renovations or cleaning or something, I honestly didn't read the sign :rolleyes:. They do appear to be draining the pool but the underwater viewing is still open. The northern fur seals are back in seal cove and I believe Natoa and his mom are next to the harbour seals with the other sea lions. The arapaima is gone, a big loss to the tropics in my opinion. The frosted nudibranchs are gone but there are some new lion nudibranchs next to the jellyfish display. I was pretty stoked to see them, very interesting to watch them eat (they don't do much else). Other than that some of the displays seem to have been renovated in some way, particularly in frogs forever and some of the freshwater displays in the tropics. I don't remember some of them being as pretty as they were when I visited recently but maybe I'm just making things up.
 

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Thanks for the updates. Do they plan to bring penguins back at some point? Seems to be a risk to get rid of them so soon after the dolphins and belugas left.
 
On September 22nd, the aquarium announced that they rehabilitated and released (0.0.6) seals (species' not specified) into the wild. On September 29th, the aquarium announced they rehabilitated and release (0.0.3) harbor seals into the wild on September 28th.

The first harbour seal release of the season was a huge success! Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre successfully released six rescued seals yesterday in Richmond. Good luck to Acorn, Lacy, Flowerpot, Pirate, Swishwash and Clifford! | Vancouver Aquarium | Romansenykmusic · Waterfall
https://www.facebook.com/reel/849940279956290

On September 7th, the aquarium announced they established the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society in order to work with the facility to rehabilitate marine mammals.

We're excited to announce the establishment of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society, a new non-profit organization that will work in... | By Vancouver Aquarium | Facebook
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society

On October 13th, the aquarium announced that (0.0.2+) epaulette sharks hatched.

It's #WorldEggDay, and we have eggcelent news — the epaulette shark eggs have hatched and the pups are adorable! | Vancouver Aquarium
 
The aquarium is going to renovate its small walk-through Amazon Gallery. Here's some information that was sent out via email:

"Starting Jan. 8, the Graham Amazon Gallery will be closed for renovations while we jazz up our jungle with a brand-new boardwalk, upgraded monkey hangout, and even more lush foliage. Plus, brace yourselves for the long-awaited return of our fan favourite thunderstorm simulator in the Caiman habitat (if you know, you know). Prepare for an adventure like never before!

Renovations will be completed this spring. We can’t wait for you to see the epic transformation! Stay curious & stay tuned "

Here is an image of the jungle:

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And the Goeldi's Monkey exhibit:

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And, finally, the Caiman habitat. It sounds as if the aquarium is bringing back the hourly thunderstorm:

full
 
I have a lot of questions about the Vancouver aqaurium that I just had to ask.
1. What species are in the giant amazon gallery tree trunk?
2. Any behind the scenes species?(aside from the ball python)
3. How many sea otters do they house?
4. Does anyone have a list of species housed in the aqaurium?
5. What happend to all the avairy birds(the toucanets, amazon parrots .etc.) all thats left is the ringed teal and scarlet ibis?
6. Do they still have the aqautic lizards(that I forgot the name of the species)?
7. How many arapaima's past and present do they house? (did the arapaima pass and will they be replaced)
Thanks in adavance to anyone who answers.
 
snowleopard said:
The aquarium is going to renovate its small walk-through Amazon Gallery. Here's some information that was sent out via email:

"Starting Jan. 8, the Graham Amazon Gallery will be closed for renovations while we jazz up our jungle with a brand-new boardwalk, upgraded monkey hangout, and even more lush foliage. Plus, brace yourselves for the long-awaited return of our fan favourite thunderstorm simulator in the Caiman habitat (if you know, you know). Prepare for an adventure like never before!

Renovations will be completed this spring. We can’t wait for you to see the epic transformation! Stay curious & stay tuned "

Here is an image of the jungle:

full


And the Goeldi's Monkey exhibit:

full


And, finally, the Caiman habitat. It sounds as if the aquarium is bringing back the hourly thunderstorm:

full
Click to expand...

This is exciting! As a monkey enthusiast I think the marmosets are totally in need of a better enclosure, and I have very fond memories of the thunderstorm as a child. This is usually my favourite part of the aquarium so I hope they don't mess it up :confused:.

antilio capra said:
I have a lot of questions about the Vancouver aqaurium that I just had to ask.
1. What species are in the giant amazon gallery tree trunk?
2. Any behind the scenes species?(aside from the ball python)
3. How many sea otters do they house?
4. Does anyone have a list of species housed in the aqaurium?
5. What happend to all the avairy birds(the toucanets, amazon parrots .etc.) all thats left is the ringed teal and scarlet ibis?
6. Do they still have the aqautic lizards(that I forgot the name of the species)?
7. How many arapaima's past and present do they house? (did the arapaima pass and will they be replaced)
Thanks in adavance to anyone who answers.
Click to expand...

1. I'm not familiar with the inverts and I'm certain these species are rotated semi-regularly, but to my last memory there was a yellow headed gecko (Gonatodes albogularis) and a pacman frog in two of the enclosures.
2-5 I can't answer, but you are correct that the teal and ibis are the only birds left.
6. I'm not sure what you are talking about (caiman lizards? I don't remember ever seeing them at the aquarium), so no they don't.
7. They had and have only had one to my knowledge, who knows if they will get another. I would be surprised if they didn't, its always been a very popular species in the amazon gallery.
 
Definitely overdue for the marmosets. It would be nice to see them in something with more depth to it, and better able to hide the crates in the upper level.

3: It should be 4.4: Mak/Rialto/Hardy/Joey and Katmai/Kunik/Tazlina/Quatse. Has not gotten easier to work out which bus which as they've all gotten blonder.

Maybe question 6 is referring to the diving lizards that shared space with the anacondas? I recall seeing 3+ at times while volunteering and they were always very difficult to find. They were signed. The signage has been absent through my visits over the last couple of years since the reopening.

Re: Question 7, there were two juveniles shortly before Covid-19 closures. I only ever saw one after reopening and it was absent on the visit I last posted photos from.
 
The aquarium has announced a temporary attraction. I copied and pasted this from their email:

On Feb. 9, today's most famous and feared aquatic predators CLASH with their prehistoric ancestors. Discover Monsters of the Abyss at Vancouver Aquarium, an all-new interactive exhibit of EPIC proportions.

Come face-to-face with some of the "monsters" still roaming today's oceans, rivers, and lakes in new, extraordinary live habitats, and dare to get up close during daily expert-led Animal Talks. Feast your eyes on supersize sculptures, get hands-on during fossil exploration, marvel at the massive jaws of a Megalodon, and more!

Immerse yourself in the epic world of Monsters of the Abyss, surfacing on Feb. 9 for a limited time at Vancouver Aquarium.
 
RIPPompadour said:
Maybe question 6 is referring to the diving lizards that shared space with the anacondas? I recall seeing 3+ at times while volunteering and they were always very difficult to find. They were signed. The signage has been absent through my visits over the last couple of years since the reopening.
Click to expand...
Exactly. What happend to them? Thanks so much for answering my previous questions too.
 
On February 6th, the aquarium announced they rehabilitated and released 2 seals (species not specified) back into the wild.

Wickaninnish Bay Reefs and Vivian Island were released last week! With this, all releasable Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society patients from the 2023 season have been released back into the ocean. Good luck out there, little ones! #vanaqua | Vancouver Aquarium | Vancouver Aquarium · Original audio

On February 4th, the aquarium announced that they moved 2+ juvenile blacktip reef sharks on display in the Tropics Gallery*.

We've got exciting news - there are now FIVE blacktip reef sharks at the Vancouver Aquarium! Come and see them in the Tropics gallery | Vancouver Aquarium

On February 7th, it was announced that the aquarium transferred 2+ Panamanian golden frogs to the Montreal Biodome in Quebec.

https://espacepourlavie.ca/blogue/l...les-et-les-programmes-d-elevage-conservatoire

On April 5th, the aquarium announced they acquired 10+ cross jellyfish which are on display in the Canaccord Gallery.

Meet the newest jelly in the Canaccord gallery, the cross jelly! These small, bioluminescent jellies can be seen near the surface of the water at night in their habitat ranging from Alaska to California. #vanaqua | Vancouver Aquarium

On April 7th, the aquarium announced they moved a (0.0.1) juvenile emperor angelfish on display in the Canaccord Gallery.

Vancouver Aquarium

snowleopard said:
The aquarium is going to renovate its small walk-through Amazon Gallery. Here's some information that was sent out via email:

"Starting Jan. 8, the Graham Amazon Gallery will be closed for renovations while we jazz up our jungle with a brand-new boardwalk, upgraded monkey hangout, and even more lush foliage. Plus, brace yourselves for the long-awaited return of our fan favourite thunderstorm simulator in the Caiman habitat (if you know, you know). Prepare for an adventure like never before!

Renovations will be completed this spring. We can’t wait for you to see the epic transformation! Stay curious & stay tuned "
Click to expand...

On May 3rd, the aquarium reopened the Amazon Gallery to the public.

Vancouver Aquarium

* Blacktip reef sharks were already at the aquarium, so I am not sure if they were acquired from another institution or were moved from a bts area.
 
Rescued northern sea otter pups Tofino and Luna, both female, have been transferred from the VAMMRS to their new home at the main Aquarium. Tofino is viewable in the upper otter habitat (the Aquarium's adult otters are in the lower habitat and it will probably be a few more months before they're introduced) while Luna is younger and still requires behind-the-scenes care. Their addition will bring Vancouver Aquarium's sea otter raft up to ten(!).

Vancouver Aquarium on Instagram: "The Vancouver Aquarium is thrilled to welcome the arrival of sea otter pups Tofino and Luna from @vammrs! Tofino is currently in the upper otter habitat and is available to view at the Aquarium! Luna remains in critical care and is being monitored by animal care and veterinary staff."

I've spent the summer checking for daily updates on Tofino and Luna ever since they've been rescued and I'm so glad that they've become social media stars to draw attention to Vancouver Aquarium's wonderful marine mammal rescue efforts, like Joey did back in 2020. Tofino's earliest videos have gotten well over 100,000,000 views:

Nadine Trottier on Instagram: "Our vet staff, animal care team and some lovely volunteers will be working around the clock for months to ensure proper care of this new pup. Here you see our vet team grooming her fur which is a key factor in maintaining proper body temperature and overall health. It takes a lot of time, energy, and people to properly care for this new patient. If you would like to support our efforts, we would greatly appreciate donations to @vammrs Any support, big or small, will go towards our efforts to care for patients like her Thank you all for the ongoing support! We greatly appreciate it "
 
Vancouver Aquarium has added a Sea Otter Pup Cam so that everyone can watch Tofino frolic around her new home 24/7. The video quality and camera angle are better than most of the sea otter cams I've seen. She's so cute when she does her self-grooming wiggle dance on the towel. Hopefully Luna makes an appearance soon to keep Tofino company.

 
The Monsters of the Abyss exhibit closes this weekend, so if you're in the Vancouver area, you should check it out while you can:

Vancouver Aquarium on Instagram: "It's the last weekend to experience Monsters of the Abyss! These skeletal sculptures and their current-day counterparts are leaving after September 8th, so if you want a chance to see them up close, you only have two days left!"

And their social media account just posted a brief year-in-review of the VAMMRS's rescue and rehabilitation efforts since re-launching as a non-profit:

VA Marine Mammal Rescue Society on Instagram: "What a year it’s been since we re-launched as a non-profit! Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve reached some amazing milestones. Here are a few highlights: ➡️ Rescued & disentangled Tuck, a sea lion caught in a monofilament net ➡️ Saved Moira, a loggerhead sea turtle—only the 2nd reported sighting in BC! ➡️ Assisted with the rescue of Brave Little Hunter, an orphaned killer whale calf. ➡️ Gave second chances to sea otter pups Luna & Tofino and 81 harbour seal patients like Gustav and Biscuits. None of this would’ve been possible without YOU. Here’s to another year of making a difference together! #VAMMR #RescueRelease #MarineMammalRescue #ThankYou"
 
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