Their have been talks to turn this fountain into a harbor seal exhibit. We originally had harbor seals before the 2005 expansion moved them to New Mexico.
It would be great to have some type of seals back in Baltimore. The aquarium is great, but when compared to some of the other aquariums, it misses out on some of the key attraction species other than the dolphins like seals, belugas, otters, penguins, certain shark species, etc.
I agree. It would just be nice to have both. Other than possibly turning this into a harbor seal habitat, are there any other possible changes on the horizon?
For the National Aquarium in Baltimore there are no future plans. The harbor seal exhibit have only been “talks.” I don’t see them building it within the next 8 years. Their have been plans since 2003 in building the Center for Aquatic Life and Conservation in a brown field 5-10 miles away in the upper branch of the Chesapeake Bay. This building would house the extensive animal collection, as well as provide a waterfront park and classrooms for schools. The current facility is held at Fells Point and the lease is continuously being renewed. However, due to some major financial difficulties and some problems with the city and developers, this too has been delayed for at least another 8 years. All of the money right now is being used to update the 30 year old main aquairum building. There are currently 3 exhibits under renovations right now with the Wings in the Water Exhibit due to get redone in mid April. The Alcid Exhibit (Puffins and Razorbills) just reopened two weeks ago after an 8 week renovation.
