There are 2 beluga whales, 2 Pacific white-sided dolphins, 2 sea otters, 2 harbor porpoises, 2-3 harbor seals plus Steller's sea lions and northern fur seals off-exhibit (sometimes rotated into the public eye) so the marine mammal species at the aquarium is amongst the most impressive of any aquarium in North America. There has not been any controversy for at least a year now and the expansion of the outdoor pools in the future is still the long-term goal.
I uploaded a couple of photos of future plans for the aquarium, and the big news is that a brand-new entrance, a new entrance plaza (outside of the aquarium), an all-indoor restaurant (badly needed!) and a new gallery will all open supposedly by May or June.
There are 2 beluga whales, 2 Pacific white-sided dolphins, 2 sea otters, 2 harbor porpoises, 2-3 harbor seals plus Steller's sea lions and northern fur seals off-exhibit (sometimes rotated into the public eye) so the marine mammal species at the aquarium is amongst the most impressive of any aquarium in North America.
There are two harbor porpoises, and both of them are obviously rescue animals. It is surprising how tiny they are when seen in the flesh as they are much smaller than the Pacific white-sided dolphins in a nearby pool.
I agree with your comment in regards to how many marine mammals are in residence at the aquarium, and the beluga and dolphin pools are too small for large groupings. At one time there were 5 belugas but a male was sent to San Antonio SeaWorld and 2 of the females died.
There are two harbor porpoises, and both of them are obviously rescue animals. It is surprising how tiny they are when seen in the flesh as they are much smaller than the Pacific white-sided dolphins in a nearby pool.
I agree with your comment in regards to how many marine mammals are in residence at the aquarium, and the beluga and dolphin pools are too small for large groupings. At one time there were 5 belugas but a male was sent to San Antonio SeaWorld and 2 of the females died.
Well if they haven't got the space to keep a decent pod of dolphins or belugas then maybe they should consolidate the space for a single species rather than keeping both. The rescued porpoises are a different story because they aren't likely to get too much more fresh blood but I know there are more belugas and white-sided dolphins in America.
On a side note, I've looked at some of your photos and never thought the pools looked that small. As a regular visitor (and seasoned zoo-enthusiast! ) I'll take your word for it regarding their size.
Well if they haven't got the space to keep a decent pod of dolphins or belugas then maybe they should consolidate the space for a single species rather than keeping both. The rescued porpoises are a different story because they aren't likely to get too much more fresh blood but I know there are more belugas and white-sided dolphins in America.
On a side note, I've looked at some of your photos and never thought the pools looked that small. As a regular visitor (and seasoned zoo-enthusiast! ) I'll take your word for it regarding their size.
Ahhhhh, well that makes my previous idea moot.
If that is the case then why not send the belugas away and then focus on any unreleasable dolphins or porpoises, surely that would be a beneficial use of space and would also placate any anti-captivity advocates*. I know this isn't likely to happen but these are just my ideas.
