Aquarium of Niagara Aquarium of Niagara News

Not a great USDA report in March for this facility. The report notes a seal was injured by a rock that fell on her during a training session in August:

"In August, a grey seal “Medusa” was hauled out of the water for a training session and a rock from the back wall of her primary enclosure fell on her, breaking a bone and causing her to lose a nail on her right front flipper. The enclosure is comprised of a pool, haul out area and landscape rocks stacked in a retaining wall pattern. On inspection, the inspector could easily move and shift loose rocks around the wall which have a potential to come off the wall and cause injury to the seals in the exhibit."
 
2 Pieces of May 2024 News Worth Mentioning:
On November 30th, the aquarium announced that its CEO and President, Gary Siddall accepted a position with the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences and will leave his post at the end of January 2024.

It was announced earlier today that... - Aquarium of Niagara

On May 1st, the aquarium announced they hired Chad Fifer as their next CEO and President. He started his position on June 18th.

Aquarium of Niagara
Aquarium of Niagara

On May 21st, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) Humboldt penguin named Tux II passed away at age 31 due to a rapid decline in health.

Aquarium of Niagara

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On June 6th, the aquarium announced they installed new signs at the Whirlpool Commons and the trailhead areas.

Aquarium of Niagara
 
On June 30th, it was announced that the aquarium transferred a (0.1) gray seal named Medusa to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Minnesota.

Como Friends

On May 24th, the aquarium announced they selected Turner Construction Company as the project manager for the Great Lakes 360 project, which will finish construction in spring 2024. The aquarium also released renderings of the project.

An Exciting Update for Great Lakes 360 | Our Great Lakes 360 project is coming to life! We're excited to release a brand new suite of renderings and announce that we've selected Turner... | By Aquarium of Niagara - Facebook

On July 13th, the aquarium opened the new Great Lakes 360 Building to the public. The new building holds 15-16 new exhibits containing 38 species around the Great Lakes region and Niagara River, as well as a new gift shop, theater, and a rooftop area.

Aquarium of Niagara
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/arti...useum-on-aquarium-of-niagaras-expanded-campus
 
On June 30th, it was announced that the aquarium transferred a (0.1) gray seal named Medusa to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Minnesota.

Como Friends



On July 13th, the aquarium opened the new Great Lakes 360 Building to the public. The new building holds 15-16 new exhibits containing 38 species around the Great Lakes region and Niagara River, as well as a new gift shop, theater, and a rooftop area.

Aquarium of Niagara
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/arti...useum-on-aquarium-of-niagaras-expanded-campus
Can't say I'm a big fan of the existing Aquarium of Niagara, but I am certainly intrigued by this new expansion. There appears to be a number of reptile and amphibian species included in this new expansion- which is something I always like to see at aquariums, plus the inclusion of a sturgeon touch tank is something I am very excited about! I may need to make the trip up to Niagara this fall to experience this expansion for myself. Now hopefully their next project provides new homes for pinnipeds...
 
Piece of January 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On January 3rd, the aquarium announced that 2 spotted turtles hatched in autumn 2024, the first of their kind to be born at Aquarium of Niagara.

3.3K views · 101 reactions | Sometimes big news comes in a small package (well, two to be exact). We’re kicking off the new year with an exciting announcement. Back in the fall, the Aquarium welcomed two spotted turtle hatchlings! These tiny turtles are the first spotted turtles born at the Aquarium of Niagara. Spotted turtles are endangered and have been a foundational piece of the Aquarium’s animal collection since 2002. They are now a cornerstone of Great Lakes 360. Our new additions have a lot of growing to do before they’re ready to make their public debut but that doesn’t mean you can’t pay them a visit! The hatchlings can exclusively be seen during Inside the Aquarium tours. Book yours today! | Aquarium of Niagara

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On April 7th, the aquarium announced that they closed the outdoor seal exhibit Rescue Harbor until autumn for renovations including adding new land area and an access ramp, and removing the shale inside the exhibit. The harbor seals were moved to the sea lion exhibit until construction is complete.

Aquarium of Niagara
Rescue Harbor Construction - Aquarium of Niagara

On May 2nd, the aquarium announced that a (0.1) Humboldt penguin named Catuta hatched, which is on exhibit.

Aquarium of Niagara

On June 19th, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) Humboldt penguin named Nosrac hatched, which is on exhibit.

5.8K views · 101 reactions | We've been keeping a big secret... The Aquarium recently had the opportunity to foster a truly special connection between a one-of-a-kind kid and an against-the-odds addition to our penguin colony. The two share a spirit of strength and resilience, and we couldn't be prouder to share the story of Carson and Nosrac – a boy and his friend-guin. | Aquarium of Niagara

On July 18th, the aquarium announced their (0.1) grey seal named Della passed away at age 35 due to a severe shoulder condition.

Aquarium of Niagara

* Worth mentioning that the aquarium acquired 3 tiger salamanders (on display in the Great Lakes 360 Building) in September 2024, and an ocellated moray eel (on display in the Abyssal Plains tank) in December 2024. The aquarium also announced that a (0.1) Humbdolt penguin named Araya passed away at age 32 in October 2024. Finally, the aquarium renovated the sea lion exhibit in September 2024, adding in new rocks.
 
On August 1st, the aquarium announced they received ~$200,000 in funding from the New York Power Authority to replace their old boiler.

Aquarium of Niagara

On August 8th, the aquarium announced they acquired blue poison dart frogs (on display 2nd floor), porkfish (OD 1st floor), green moray eel (OD 1st floor), and European mantis (OD Great Lakes 360).

Aquarium of Niagara

On September 26th, the aquarium announced they transferred a (1m.0) Humboldt penguin named Smitty to Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium in Pennsylvania.

Aquarium of Niagara
 
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